Submit your Article

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has informed the Parliament about the achievements of his recent official visit to the People's Republic of China.

Speaking in a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), the lower house of the Federal Parliament, today, he said important achievements have been made on expanding the area of mutual cooperation through enhanced coordination and collaboration between the two countries.

On the occasion, DPM Shrestha said the visit has contributed to further strengthening the mutual goodwill, respect, and trust between the two countries.

The minister viewed that the historic and friendly relations between the two countries have reached new heights through this visit.

Stating that the trade and transit points with China, namely Rasuwagadhi-Kerung, Tatopani-Jhangu, Yari-Puran and Nechung-Korala have already come into operation before this, he said the Chinese side has expressed its readiness to open 14 traditional trade transits closed after the COVID pandemic.

Minister Shrestha informed that discussions have been held with the Chinese side regarding constituting a joint commission at the foreign ministers' level of both countries in order to hold high-level consultations on the various dimensions of the existing Nepal-China friendly relations. He added that both sides are positive on this. 

According to him, discussions were held during the visit also on implementation of the BRI Implementation Plan giving it the final touch.

During the visit, Minister Shrestha extended an invitation to his counterpart Wang Yi to visit Nepal at his convenient time. "Both parties have agreed for an effective implementation of Nepal-China agreements and to regularize the meetings of existing mechanisms to expedite the pace of cooperation," the Minister said.  According to him, with his visit to the northern neighbor, the mutual relations and respect between Nepal and China have reached a new height.

"The discussions held during the visit were comprehensive and open, focusing on mutual assistance and cooperation," said the minister, expressing hope that the trip contributed to further strengthening the centuries-old, multi-dimensional, and friendly relations between Nepal and China.

He briefed the House that the Chinese side is positive for ensuring trans-border pastureland for the Nepali community residing on the Nepal-China border as per the agreement reached in 2012 and electrification at some Nepali villages there.

Similarly, the Chinese side responded positively to the call of Nepal to resume the Kathmandu-Lhasa direct bus service, facilitating the exports of buff, medicinal herbs, vegetables, and fruits from Nepal to China. During the discussions, Minister Shrestha urged China to establish multi-dimensional labs in certain areas along the Nepal-China border and provide capital and technological assistance to enhance Nepal's agricultural sector productivity.

Both parties have been positive about operating the flights from Kathmandu and Pokhara to various cities in China. Likewise, both parties have expressed interest in expanding transnational roadways, air flight services, and electricity transmission lines to Nepal-China connectivity. Both parties have agreed to come up with agriculture, tourism, hydropower, and infrastructure projects and implement them.

He said he urged the Chinese government and private sector investors for their enthusiastic participation in the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29, for their support to make the Nepal Visit Year 2025, considering investing in Nepal's diverse sectors.

DPM Shrestha had been on a visit to China from March 24 to March 31, at the invitation of Communist Party of China (CPC)'s political bureau central committee member and China's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.

Nepali Congress (NC) is demanding an investigation against Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane for his alleged involvement in the misappropriation of cooperative funds. For the same reason, the main opposition party is pushing to form a probe panel, a move opposed by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli. Certainly, there are valid questions regarding Lamichhane’s involvement in the misuse of cooperative funds.

 However, the way the NC is acting after the formation of the new coalition is unusual. The party has just come out of a government that failed to deliver on service delivery and economic fronts. Home Minister Lamichhane has taken some positive steps, including implementing the report submitted by the committee formed to investigate gold smuggling. Similarly, he has pledged to minimize political influence in the Nepal Police and Armed Police Force. He should be allowed to work freely without pressure from parties. If he fails to fulfill his pledges, questions should be raised, but for some period, it would not be justifiable to obstruct him.

In a parliamentary system, the opposition party should allow the government to work for at least 100 days without obstructions. Obviously, the opposition party should work to hold the government accountable and raise people's concerns and plights, but that should be done constructively. Past experiences show that opposition parties often resort to obstructing Parliament to press the government to fulfill their demands. However, Parliament cannot engage in its key task of the law-making process if it is obstructed for a long time. As a grand old party and the largest in Parliament, the NC should not resort to obstructing Parliament. Instead, it should find innovative ways to raise its voices within Parliament.

The performance of parliament has been dismal over the past few years due to intra-party disputes. There is a long list of crucial bills in the Parliament Secretariat that have long awaited parliamentary endorsement. Some of them are very important and related to the party's international image and prestige, on which all parties should come together. The new coalition has come up with new commitments and visions, so the NC and other opposition parties should wait some time to see how the new government addresses the problems the country is facing today. The NC should think seriously about its role as an opposition party.

Just one year after joining the ruling coalition, the Nepali Congress (NC) has found itself unexpectedly consigned to the opposition benches. This is the second time in 12 months that Nepal’s oldest democratic party has been forced to play the role of the opposition after another dramatic shakeup of the ruling alliance.

The latest reversal of fortunes came on March 5 when Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal surprised the NC by announcing a new power-sharing deal with the CPN-UML and, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP). NC, which was heading nine ministries, including the influential defense, finance and foreign affairs, in the coalition government didn’t even get a wind of Dahal’s plan.

Stung by what it sees as betrayal and unethical defection by Dahal, NC has come out swinging in its new role as the main opposition force. NC, which has remained in power for most of the past three years barring a three-month stint after the 2022 election, is becoming aggressive in the House. “As the largest party in the opposition now, NC has to play an effective role which is natural and expected of it given its position,” said political analyst Geja Sharma Wagle. “NC must adopt an aggressive stance in parliament. Its current confrontational approach is understandable,” he added. Wagle argued that it is the opposition's duty to hold the government accountable in the House and raise issues concerning the public interest. The new power equation, which represents an unimaginable political debacle for NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has forced the NC to make its presence effective in parliament. “This is what NC should be doing in the parliament now. However, there are signs that we are overreacting a bit and have gone overboard at times,” NC Central Working Committee member Nain Singh Mahar said. “The confrontational posture seems driven by the anguish of being unexpectedly ousted from the government.”

Aggression against Lamichhane

NC looks to have gone all out against RSP Chair and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane. The party has demanded a parliamentary probe into allegations linking the new home minister Lamichhane to a cooperative fraud case by disrupting House proceedings.

Ramesh Lekhak, the chief whip of the Nepali Congress, has demanded a parliamentary probe into the allegations against Lamichhane. “There have been instances in the past when parliamentary probe committees were formed after questions were raised against ministers. A parliamentary inquiry committee must be formed to look into the home minister’s case as well,” Lekhak said in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

NC is skeptical about an impartial investigation since the person facing scrutiny is heading the home ministry. “Billions of rupees belonging to thousands of depositors have been embezzled. In the Surya Darshan cooperative scandal in Pokhara alone, Rs 1.35bn of 19,000 depositors was misappropriated. Some 100 people have siphoned the funds by opening fake accounts. One of those who opened such fake accounts was Lamichhane himself,” NC General Secretary Gagan Thapa said. “When the home minister himself is implicated, who will conduct a fair probe?”

The main opposition party has raised doubts over the integrity of the investigation process with the primary accused holding charge of the home ministry that oversees police. It has been disrupting House proceedings regularly. Analysts, however, say the frequent obstruction of parliament may be going overboard. “NC has become overly reactive on the Lamichhane issue. Raising questions is valid but getting bogged down at the personal level and obstructing House proceedings is unbecoming of such an experienced parliamentary party,” Wagle said. “NC should play an effective and constructive role. It is not good to obstruct House proceedings in the name of becoming effective.”

Political analyst Arun Subedi said that NC is now adopting tactics that opposition parties have traditionally employed when out of power. “From raking up controversies around ministers to disrupting parliamentary proceedings, NC is resorting to similar tactics that have served opposition camps well in the past,” he added.

Way ahead for NC

There are already voices within NC calling for rapprochement with the UML to forge a new alliance and remove Dahal in a bid to curb instability. NC, which brushed aside proposals from UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli for a power-sharing deal, now finds itself looking towards the UML as a potential partner. NC leaders have started arguing that the situation of three different prime ministers having to seek a vote of confidence within just one year after elections has directly impacted provincial governments as well. Some NC leaders are also apprehensive that if the party actively pursues a new ruling coalition, it could further exacerbate political instability. “NC should not get entangled in efforts to form yet another government. Instead of power games, it needs to go to the people now,” said NC leader Mahar. “Whenever NC is in opposition, it has received public support. This is an opportunity to connect with the citizens, strengthen the organization, and effectively raise people’s issues both in parliament and on the streets.”

Sources say the NC leadership, which tried to stop Dahal from passing the floor test, is reportedly preparing a strategy to explore an alternative to the Dahal government before the upcoming budget. Subedi argues that the possibility of a government change always remains due to the number games in the House of Representatives. “The numbers in this parliament are such that the issue of government formation and dissolution will remain alive as long as this legislature exists,” he said. “It is up to the NC to decide whether to accept Dahal’s leadership, move ahead by uniting democratic forces or form a government by joining hands with UML,” he added. 

Analysts, however, caution that NC should refrain from actively pursuing yet another ruling coalition at this stage as it could prolong instability. “If NC engages in toppling the government like other parties, it would send a message that it is no different,” Subedi said. “NC must focus on strengthening parliamentary practices. Since only one bill has been passed over the past year, NC also needs to play a role in enhancing the effectiveness of the House. It is also an opportunity for the party to reconnect with the people as well.” 

A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today endorsed a condolence motion on the demise of its member Manju Sharma Ansari.  

In the meeting, Speaker Devraj Ghimire declared that the motion was endorsed by the lower house session unanimously.

The meeting also observed one minute-silence over the passing away of Ansari. The 60-year-old Ansari, the lawmaker from the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal under the proportional representation system, died during the course of treatment earlier today.

The meeting paid tributes to the departed soul and also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family.

The lower house of the Federal Parliament shall meet again at 11 am on Monday. 

A meeting of the House of Representatives has been postponed.

With the formation of a new coalition under the CPN-UML in Baluwatar, the meeting has been postponed till 11 am, March 7.

According to Shekhar Adhikari, press advisor of the Speaker, the meeting of the House of Representatives has been postponed till 11 am, March 7 due to a special circumstance.

The Parliament Secretariat said that the meetings of both the houses of the federal Parliament scheduled for today have been postponed.

A crowd of debtors breached security arrangements in place at one of the prohibited areas in the Capital—the federal parliament—on Monday and staged a demonstration on its premises in a bid to make the state address their demands—dissolution of microfinances, loan waiver, removal of their names from the black list and freeing up of their collaterals. 

The crowd that had poured in Kathmandu from several districts, mainly from the Tarai, on Sunday after walking for days on end entered through Gate No 3 after adjournment of meetings of both the upper and lower chambers of the parliament, shouted slogans despite warnings from security personnel, leaving the latter overwhelmed. 

Later on, police arrested 48 women and one man for the breach. They are in the custody of Metropolitan Police Circle at Baneshwor. 

It may be noted that the government has already declared several security-sensitive areas, including Singhadurbar, federal parliament premises at New Baneshwor, Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar and the President’s office (Sheetal Niwas at Maharajgunj) prohibited areas, disallowing protests at those addresses. 

In the wake of the breach, Nepal Police headquarters has formed a three-member committee under SSP Dineshraj Mainali to investigate the security breach, with SP Navaraj Adhikari of Kathmandu District Police Circle and DSP Dinesh Ghimire of Kathmandu Valley Police Office as members. 

The committee’s ToR includes preparing and submitting a report by finding holes in security arrangements in place at the restricted area and suggesting corrective measures.  

Meanwhile, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has gathered information about the security breach from Inspector General of Nepal Police Basanta Bahadur Kunwar. 

Over the last few days, I have been thinking about the connections and interlinkages between agency, voice, representation of minority groups and the role of leadership in strengthening and reinforcing them.

The trigger was an invitation to participate at a discussion program organized by Rastriya Dalit Network (RDN) Nepal, one of the leading organizations representing Dalit citizens in Nepal during the World Social Forum.

Over the course of the years, as an external observer and practitioner, I have been grappling with questions related to ways that vulnerable groups can emerge.

On the one hand, personal and positive leadership is indispensable and with it also comes a great level of personal accountability. I do believe that leadership is something that is widespread around the society. It does belong to each single individual but the problem is that, too often, it goes untapped, unexplored.

Yet, if you are a citizen belonging to a vulnerable group like Dalits or persons with disabilities, Muslim or citizens belonging to gender minorities or if you are a woman, then, it’s much harder to leverage this innate dimension. But, if certain conditions are in place, conditions that must stem from the wider society, then it can emerge with positive spillover effects.

What am I talking about? Very practical things to start with.

Why not start with better designed and much more substantial scholarships not only at primary levels for Dalit students but throughout the whole educational cycle? What about tailor-made apprenticeship and internship programs that should at least provide decent living stipends?

These are very tangible and, I would argue, also minimalistic measures, in the sense that, if implemented, they would not require astronomical resources nor any legal provision.

At the same time, there should also be a conversation about more systemic initiatives that are as needed as the former but are also more complex to put in place. Why so? Because they would need the buy-in of the whole society, especially the assent of those in or perceived to be in the so-called historically more dominating groups.

For example, a better and stronger proportional system without loopholes, a system that would really provide representations not only to Dalit citizens but also to other marginalized groups. A conversation should also be tabled about stronger quotas, that though imperfect as they can be, they do potentially represent a game-changer tool to create a stronger, fairer level playing field.

As an observer, I do realize not only the complexity of these issues but also their sensitivity. That’s why only a national conversation can pave the way for reasoned, deliberate discussions. Yet these tools, some practical interventions, some other more strictly anchored to the realm of policy making can truly make the difference.

Thanks to them, citizens from vulnerable groups can be more visible, they can be heard and they can be part of the conversation and, consequently, they can contribute to the wider society. We need to be clear on one thing here: There is no automatism, no guarantee of success.

The reason is simple because, as strong as these measures can be, alone they won’t suffice, they won’t be enough.

Here enters the role of leadership and personal accountability. Leadership is about consistent actions that bring positive outcomes but also, as we all know, the same can bring failures. With failures that are inevitable come frustration and with it, the possibility of simply giving up becomes higher and higher.

Yet this grinding process of self-amelioration is the key to personal success.

The society in Nepal is in dire need of having more people from minority groups to be “good” at succeeding because positive achievements bring recognition and respect. Leading through actions does not require only good communication skills or charisma. What is also needed is know-how and expertise and being in a position to put those into practice.

That’s why the tangibles discussed earlier can truly mark a positive difference in what is a positive feeding loop that generates change, first at personal level, then at societal one. In more practical terms: You have to work hard but also you have to have the conditions in place as well if you want to have a shot at life.

But there is another element in this very hypothetical theory of change that could contribute in making Nepal more just.

Here I go back to the discussions related to the World Social Forum. RDN Nepal is organizing a ‘Dalit Parliament’ but this is a misnomer.

The Parliament, obviously, is not a real parliament. It is, instead, a much-needed forum for discussion and debate within the Dalit community. It is mostly a series of one-off events held annually where different groups, different stakeholders address issues and problems and try to find a common ground.

It is an important platform but there is the potential of making it even stronger. This so-called parliament could be structured on much more solid grounds in the form of a permanent, though loose, forum that meets regularly and consistently.

Obviously, we have to be realistic about what such a forum can achieve but having in place a venue where groups, activists but also concerned citizens can freely talk, can be a very positive development.

That’s because it would help bring in a sense of having a collective voice, a voice that would represent different views and opinions but would also enrich the conversation.

This dimension would complement and reinforce the efforts from the wider society and the ones stemming from the single individuals belonging to marginalized groups, helping generate reflections that could lead to change.

The goal would not be to agree on everything but rather having a place where voices are heard and ideas shared. While each group in such a diverse nation like Nepal has its own identity and traditions, ultimately what could help the country achieve more diversity and inclusion is a real national conversation.

Something that is not fragmented and divided by specific features, grievances and negotiating positions but instead is driven by the enriching and common elements, the sum of its parts that pulls the country together.

A recognition by the wider society that it is a common responsibility to make the country more inclusive and diverse, a sense of personal responsibility and willingness to contribute from those lagging behind and more collective voices talking to each other, could truly make Nepal fairer, better and more just society for all.

The author is the co-founder of ENGAGE and of The Good Leadership. Views are personal

A meeting of the Parliament held on Wednesday unanimously approved the bill on Anti-Money Laundering.

Earlier in the meeting, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Dhanraj Gurung, had presented the proposal seeking the endorsement of the bill to amend Acts and laws relating to the prevention of money laundering and promotion of business environment.

The endorsement has opened the way for amendment in a host of laws such as Export-Import (Control) Act-2013 BS, Ship Registration Act-2027 BS, Revenue Act-2034 BS, Tourism Act-2035 BS, Building Act-2055 BS, Insolvency Act-2063 BS, Securities Act-2063 BS, Nepal Rastra Bank Act-2058 BS, Human Trafficking and Transportation (Control) Act-2064 BS.

Criminal Assets and Instruments (Seizure, Control and Confiscation) Act-2070 BS, Money Laundering Prevention Act-2064 BS, Organized Crime Prevention Act-2070 BS, Insurance Act-2079 BS, Cooperatives Act-2074 BS, Foreign Investment and Technology Handover Act-2075 BS, Electricity Regulation Commission Act-2074 BS, Mutual Legal Assistance Act-2070 BS will also undergo amendment with today's endorsement.

The National Civil (Code) Act-2074 BS and the National Criminal Procedure (Code) Act-2074 BS have been amended through the bill.

The Parliament meeting will be held again at 11 am on February 18 .

Speaker Devraj Ghimire said that lawmakers could hold a live question and answer session with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on that day.

Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has instructed the lawmakers from his party to play an effective role in the parliament.

During a meeting of the CPN (Maoist Center) Parliamentary Party convened at the Party's office in Singha Durbar today, he urged the party's all lawmakers to go on refining their roles.

Stating that the government has preparations to table important bills in the current session of Parliament, Chair Dahal urged the lawmakers to play an active role in the law making, said Rupa Soshi Chaudhary, the Maoist Centre Whip.

The meeting also held discussions on formation of parliamentary friendship groups, formulation of the policy and programmes and the budget for the next fiscal year, the 16th periodic plan, the parliament work schedule and the parliament's and committees' meetings as well.

The CPN-UML Parliamentary Party has issued a whip to the UML lawmakers to mandatorily attend the Parliament's meetings and to play an effective role in the winter session of the federal Parliament. The winter session is commencing from 4 pm today.

Party whip Mahesh Bartaula said that this directive has been issued in line with the decision that the party's meeting made on Sunday. He said that the UML will shoulder the role of the main opposition party in a stronger and effective manner in the meetings of the current session compared to the past.

The meeting of the Parliamentary Party has also instructed its lawmakers to play an effective role in the context of making the laws required for constitution implementation, social justice, good governance, prosperity and national interest.

Similarly, the meeting has urged the government to stop the youth brain drain to foreign countries and to promptly bring back home the Nepali youths who are in difficulty, paying attention to the deteriorating peace and security situation in West Asia.

Forming governments, formulating laws, overseeing parliamentary functions, conducting hearings and approving annual budgets are the main responsibilities of legislatures. While these functions collectively define the essence of parliamentary duties, the main responsibility remains the formulation of laws.  The winter session of parliament, also known as the bill session, is beginning on Feb 5. The track record of the previous session is not satisfactory when it comes to formulating laws. All the stakeholders, the government, parliament secretariat and political parties, therefore, must be serious about providing sufficient business to the house in this session.

The delay in endorsing crucial bills is impeding the functioning of the federal, provincial, and local governments. Of particular concern is the prolonged delay in endorsing the Amendments to Some Laws relating to AML and Business Promotion Bill which has been gathering dust in the Federal Parliament Secretariat for two years. The failure to promptly endorse this crucial bill is increasing the risk of Nepal being listed by the Financial Action Task Force as a jurisdiction with strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Political parties must recognize the potential repercussions it could have on Nepal's global financial standing and correspondent banking relationships, and act swiftly to address these concerns. 

Equally pressing is the need for immediate endorsement of crucial bills such as the one related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Although top party leaders have held numerous discussions on the Bill, key contentious issues still remain unresolved. Despite this, the government is preparing to endorse the bill during the winter session.  The Parliament is losing the trust of the people as it fails to perform its key tasks. The operational costs of Parliament are significant, but the performance of both Parliament and parliamentarians is disheartening. It is important for parliamentarians to collaborate with the government in ensuring the timely fulfillment of their legislative responsibilities. 

To expedite the law-making process, parliamentarians can collectively urge the government to provide the necessary business and work towards a consensus on key bills. The continued sluggish pace threatens to further diminish public faith in Parliament, especially at a time when there is growing discontent with the current constitution and political systems. The failure of Parliament to enact laws in a timely manner is affecting effective functioning of the federal system, thereby raising questions about the relevance of such structures. The government, major political parties, and lawmakers need to address the issue urgently because an ineffective Parliament means there will be more attacks on the system.

Let’s start with a couple of recent incidents that may appear insignificant from those in positions of power.

At a government-run children’s hospital in the heart of Kathmandu, a five-year-old, Rejina Gopali of Thaha municipality ward 10, died awaiting treatment, on Monday. 

In a far-flung Budhinanda municipality in the remote district of Bajhang, Jayapura Shahi was found hanging from the ceiling with a rope at her maternal house. Separated from her husband after he took a second wife, Shahi had been running a shop to eke out a living. Local people have moved the local police post, claiming that it was a murder. 

While in Bajhgara of Dharan municipality (Sunsari), a house caught fire on Thursday morning after a gas cylinder blast that occurred when the family of Sita Dhital was making preparations for a Dar feast as part of Teej celebrations. A narrow gulley came in the way of firefighting, taking the fire brigade 1.5 hours to douse the flames. By that time, the house had turned into ashes. 

Meanwhile, the specter of lumpy skin disease continues unabated. The trail of death and devastation from the disease is shocking. On Thursday, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Beduram Bhusal, informed the House of Representatives that 52,548 animals have died from the disease, 13,83,595 have recovered whereas 73,636 animals remain ill. 

Bad tidings do not end there. On Wednesday, a khukuri-wielding Shyam Sapkota (47) of Nuwakot Nepali Congress joint general secretary Mahendra Yadav. While Yadav is in police custody, Yadav is undergoing treatment. 

On Thursday itself, Mukunda Rijal, chair, Kathmandu Metropolitan City ward 16, died while undergoing treatment for severe pneumonia. This, even as large sections of the national population continue to suffer from the twin specters of dengue and conjunctivitis. 

Then there are those dignitaries from near and afar, who are a cut above the rest. They are so powerful that they can make controversial remarks questioning the status of Nepal as an independent country. As experts par excellence, it is of course their ‘prerogative’ to teach us how to conduct our foreign policy, isn’t it? 

Of course, nothing is certain except death and taxes, but this rings so true for the people. While negotiating the roads of this bustling valley, this stark realization comes to haunt us so often, despite the presence of police officers and a more-or-less functioning traffic system.

One major factor is mainly to blame for the incidents—from the death of a child to a close shave for a leader to a cylinder blast to chaotic roads to infringement upon our sovereignty and many other incidents in between. 

That is the near-total absence of the government from the affairs of a flailing state. The parliament, civil society, the judiciary, the free press and the people—above all else—should do every bit to make the government govern this country before it’s too late.    

At present, several vital bills languish in the Federal Parliament awaiting approval. In the lineup, there is a bill seeking to amend the Prevention of Money Laundering Act-2008, another aiming to reshape the Truth and Reconciliation Act, and a comprehensive bill to revise dozens of laws.

This parliamentary logjam underscores a larger issue of functional hindrance. But it does not stop there. The vision for Nepal's federal structures hinges on the formulation of pertinent laws, yet progress seems mired in stagnation. Altogether there are 25 crucial bills stuck in both houses of the Federal Parliament.

For a month now, the main opposition, CPN-UML, has obstructed the parliament proceedings demanding for a high-level investigation panel to look into the gold smuggling case from Tribhuvan International Airport. The ruling parties have refused to form such a panel, deepening the impasse.

The déjà vu of stalled parliamentary proceedings is not new. Over the years, Nepal's Parliament has become a pawn in the hands of a select few top leaders from major parties—CPN-UML, Nepali Congress, and CPN (Maoist Center). In this precarious power dynamic, ordinances have emerged as a crutch for lawmaking in the absence of parliamentary cooperation.

Critics decry Nepal's Parliament as a rubber stamp wielded by a handful of influential leaders. The casualty in this power play is the legislative process itself, casting a shadow over the primary function of Parliament. Only one citizenship-related bill and a handful of budget-related bills have crossed the parliamentary threshold since the general elections of December last year.

The parliamentary speaker's role, too, has been controversial in recent years. Past speakers Krishna Bahadur Mahara and Agni Sapkota faced accusations of partisan bias, foregoing impartiality. The strained relationship between former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Speaker Sapkota reached its zenith when the latter refused to present America's Millennium Corporation Challenge agreement in Parliament. Current Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire is also under scrutiny for favoring his party, UML, rather than playing the role of a non-partisan arbiter.

The level playing field within Parliament has tilted toward the gravitational pull of political parties. Everyday parliamentary proceedings now rest on the tripartite consensus among Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal of Maoist Center, Sher Bahadur Deuba of NC, and KP Sharma Oli of UML. Meanwhile, smaller parties have seen their influence marginalized.

Top-tier agreements made in Baluwatar among the leaders of these three major parties become binding for Parliament. The speaker's role in mitigating the parliamentary impasse has turned ineffectual.

The art of obstructing Parliament, it appears, has been perfected to a science. A recurrent tactic involves ransoming the legislative process only to agree to its resumption following opaque pacts sealed at Baluwatar. One striking instance revolves around UML's stranglehold on the House, catalyzed by Prime Minister Dahal's remarks concerning an Indian businessman interceding with New Delhi to make him premier. After days of deadlock, UML relented only when Dahal clarified his statements.

This hostage-taking of Parliament by a select few leaders has silenced the voices of lawmakers on critical national matters. The formation of high-level panels and other pressing issues remain stalled as lawmakers are denied their platform.

Experts insist on a lasting solution, suggesting that parties commit to a shared resolution.

Political analyst Geja Sharma Wagle calls for a need to break the cycle of parliament obstruction through commitment among parties to preserve the sanctity of Parliament as a platform for substantive discourse. He says Parliament should be a place for deliberation amidst disagreement.

Subas Nembang, former speaker and UML leader, contends that Nepal's constitution and parliamentary rules failed to anticipate such standstills. While obstruction is not expressly accounted for in legislative provisions, he defends his party’s move by citing a parliamentary precedent for the tactic. Nembang posits that while not explicitly codified, this system obliges the government to address opposition demands when effectively presented.

Daman Nath Dhungana, another former speaker, says the Constituent Assembly's efforts to issue a new constitution have inadvertently sowed the seeds of parliamentary dysfunction. The stranglehold of three dominant political players lives on, perpetuating an environment where political maneuvering takes precedence over governance.

The bad legacy continues, adds Dhungana, with current priorities seeming to center around preserving government, exemplified by Prime Minister Dahal's focus.

The stalemate does not solely impact the full House; it cascades down to the Parliamentary Committees as well. Regarded as mini parliaments, these committees are now relegated to the sidelines, lacking both leadership and a clear agenda. The challenge deepens as committee members grapple with a lack of expertise within their working domains.

The very foundation of democratic governance stands challenged by a recurring cycle of obstruction and partisan strife, which threatens to undermine the nation's progress. It is a disservice committed by the three major parties to the people.