KATHMANDU, March 7: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN), which supported the government without joining the cabinet, announced withdrawal of its support on Wednesday.

The Madhes-based regional party has accused the KP Oli-led government of not amending the constitution as demanded by the party, not releasing those arrested during Madhes and Tharuhat agitation, not withdrawing cases filed in courts against them and not helping them with medical treatment.

Among other allegations, the party has accused the government of weakening the federal system by not devolving powers to the provinces and running the bureaucracy to serve partisan interests. “Therefore, there is point continuing our support to the KP Oli-led government. We have withdrawn our support with effect from today [Wednesday],” said a statement issued by coordinator of the party's presidium Mahendra Raya Yadav.

The party's decision came just hours after Kailali district court convicted the party's lawmaker Resham Lal Chaudhary in the killings of seven security personnel and a toddler in 2015.

Withdrawal of support by RJPN, which has 17 members in the lower house, however, won't make much difference to the government as the coalition led by NCP, with support from Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, still commands two-thirds majority in the parliament.

 
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