KATHMANDU, March 14: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Federal Affairs and Local Development Kamal Thapa has said that he joined the government in the condition that no constitution amendment bill would be endorsed.

Thapa said, ‘‘The Prime Minister and NC president promised me that they wouldn’t take the constitution amendment bill to vote.’’

His statement has come at a time when there are reports that Thapa joined the government as per the ruling coalition's plan to garner two-thirds majority to endorse the constitution amendment bill, which is under discussion in the parliament.

He said that he joined the government as the political environment took a major turn after the Saptari incident.

Addressing the first annual anniversary of Media Nepal, a sister organization of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), the third largest political party of Nepal, Thapa added, ‘‘A question raised in the stability of the government after the Saptari incident. It’s not good to raise a question on the government when the date for local poll has already been announced.''

DPM Thapa retaliated that it was decided to discuss the issues of Moderate Forces of Tarai from the time of the government of KP Sharma Oli. He said, ‘‘It is normal to discuss on these matters but constitution amendment bill wouldn’t put to vote.’’

He said that the present government is working to hold local poll wholeheartedly and PM Dahal and Deuba has committed to hold local poll.

 
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