The Maoists have been stating that they would not allow the government to present its programs and policies unless the prime minister steps down as per the deal reached on May 28. [break]
The government cannot spend a single penny from the state coffers without parliament approving the vote on account bill by July 15 -- the last day of the current fiscal. The approval of vote on account bill allows the government to spend one-third of the total estimated budget, even as the parliamentarians go on debating on the budget.
Some parliamentarians of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have demanded that the government immediately summon the budget session and not deviate from the normal parliamentary process.
“The government should not skip the democratic process just because Maoists have threatened to disrupt the parliamentary proceedings,” said NC leader Nabindraraj Joshi, who is also the spokesperson for the NC parliamentary party.
As per the legal provision, the cabinet recommends the president to summon the House meeting. But the government is in dilemma due to threats from the Maoists.
According to Speaker Subas Nembang, the prime minister had told him that he would consult with the major political parties before fixing the date for budget session. “But I have not received any message so far,” Nembang told myrepublica.com.
Nembang, however, said that the prime minister has invited him for consultation on Monday morning. “But I don´t know if he will tell me the date,” said Nembang.
The constitution-drafting process has also been hampered due to the ongoing political deadlock.
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