Dahal ruffles his feathers as opposition rains concerns

KATHMANDU, Dec 26: Pushpa Kamal Dahal, co-chairperson of Nepal Communist Party, said that it would take time to develop a democratic system and values as the country took its course towards development and prosperity.  Dahal defended the government's slow-start as he admitted "certain faults" within the system.

Sher Bahadur Deuba, the chairperson of Nepali Congress, said that the government had failed to ensure peace and security by curbing crime. "Instead, every day, there are incidents of rapes, murders, and crimes. Nirmala's family is yet to get justice," Deuba said as he questioned why innocents were arrested, made to accept the crime, and later released after failed DNA tests. Pradip Rawal, one of those accused in Nirmala's rape and murder, has been released today.

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Deuba also chided the government for showing religious favoritism and questioned its intention. "It is wrong for the government to side with religion and become a co-sponsor when the country's constitution states religious freedom," he said referring to the Asia Pacific Summit where Nepal government became a co-sponsor.   

Deuba also expressed concerns at the government's failure to give justice to conflict victims as he accused the then CPN Maoist Center of falling in love with politics while forgetting the bruises of war.  

The third session of the Federal Parliament was summoned by President Bidya Devi Bhandari at 4 PM. The Winter Session is also considered as the "Bill Session" as it will focus on discussions of drafts of bills and their endorsements. The session is deemed important as it is mandated to amend or replace laws that are inconsistent with the constitution.  

Baburam Bhattarai, party coordinator of Naya Shakti Party-Nepal urged the government to focus on action. "Despite tall talks, development continues to be a distant dream for Nepalis, even when the country has ended political instability."

He added that while political systems had changed, it was yet to bring the promised "development and prosperity."