KATHMANDU, Dec 21: CPN-UML Chairman K P Oli has said that the opposition parties in parliament have enough strength to foil the constitution amendment bill registered by the government. 

During a meeting with US Ambassador to Nepal, Alaina Teplitz, Oli said they are obstructing House proceedings as the amendment bill itself is unconstitutional. He maintained that the government has introduced the bill with a provision to amend the delineation of province even as the constitution clearly states that this can be done only after the consent of concerned provincial assembly.

Oli made the remarks after the US envoy expressed concerns about the obstruction in parliament by various opposition parties including the UML. The envoy had also expressed concerns over the fate of elections, according to UML’s Deputy Parliamentary Party leader Subas Nembang. 

On the occasion, Oli said the UML is committed to election and constitution amendment process. He, however, argued that the government itself is in confusion whether to hold the election under new local structure or the existing structures, and that it is not serious about holding the poll.

On a question how the country would find way out of the current political stalemate, Oli had said UML was also ready to address the genuine concerns of the Madhes parties. “But it is our stance that the amendment should take place only in the consensus among all parties that voted to promulgate it last year,” Nembang quoted Oli as saying.

 
• cpn-uml chairman k p oli
 
• amendment should be made in consensus