Prez Bhandari repeals controversial ordinances

KATHMANDU, April 24: President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Friday repealed two ordinances relating to the Constitutional Council and the Political Party Act at the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. 

She scrapped the two ordinances as per Article 114 of the Constitution of Nepal, according to the statement by the President’s Office. 

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Govt withdraws controversial ordinances after public outcry

The ordinances were swiftly endorsed by president Bhandari earlier on Monday. 

After criticism from all quarters, the government on Friday decided to withdraw those ordinances. A meeting of the cabinet held at the Prime Minister's official residence in Baluwatar took a decision to this effect, according to Yuba Raj Khatiwada, the government spokesperson.  

The first ordinance introduced by the government was an amendment on the provisions in the Political Party Act to make it easy for parties to split, while the second ordinance made it possible to convene a meeting of the Constitutional Council even without the participation of the main opposition party leader. The Constitutional Council, headed by the prime minister, makes constitutional appointments.