The amendment to the chairman´s political proposal was made after a majority of CC members suggested to the leadership to insist on implementation of the seven-point deal instead of the prime minister´s resignation. [break]
"After all, since the deal has clearly emphasized the need for formation of a national consensus government, lobbying for effective implementation of the deal, in a roundabout way, is to move ahead toward forming consensus government," Pradeep Gyawali, chief of the party´s publicity department, told Republica.
Originally, Khanal in his political paper -- presented for deliberations at the CC meeting -- had proposed that it was time to demand the prime minister´s resignation.
The seven-point deal has stated that formation of a national consensus government is necessary to advance the peace process and constitution making.
"It is clear that this government formed after the four-point agreement [between the UCPN (Maoist) and Madhes-based parties] can´t implement the seven-point deal reached among the three major political parties and the Madhesi alliance," said a statement issued by party secretary Yubaraj Gyawali.
However, several UML members during the deliberations said the government has politically become a caretaker one following the seven-point deal. "With the signing of the seven-point deal, the present government has already lost its relevance as it was formed on the ground of four-point pact," Gyawali quoted members as saying at the meeting.
The UML leaders also criticized the government for taking crucial decisions even after politically turning a caretaker one.
On the extension of Constituent Assembly (CA) term, the party decided to recommend renewal of the term through consensus among the major political parties whereas Chairman Khanal had initially proposed extension for "only for minimum period".
The opposition party´s all-powerful body also criticized the prime minister for signing the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA) with India at a wrong time. Gyawali said though UML isn´t against BIPPA in principle, the party objects to the procedures and wordings used in the agreement.
"We have objected to it because the prime minister signed it with India keeping parliament, parliament´s committee on international relations and other parties in the dark," Gyawali said. "Some words like "riot" and "compensation" may create confusion in future."
Prior to leaving for his India visit, the prime minister had pledged before parliament and all-party meeting that he wouldn´t sign any important agreement without reaching any consensus beforehand.
Criticize nomination on SRC
A majority of the CC members at the meeting criticized the party leadership over the nomination of members for the State Restructuring Commission (SRC). The leaders said the party neither nominated independent and competent experts for the SRC nor pick capable members from the party.
The UML recommended Bhogendra Jha and Sarbaraj Khadka as members of SRC from the party.
"All the Madhes-based CC members -- except Ram Chandra Jha -- criticized the leaders for recommending Bhogendra Jha as a member," said a leader. The leaders also expressed dissatisfaction over nomination of Khadka, describing him as an NGO activist. The CC meet will resume on Saturday.
Related story
Nepal-China agree to conclude BRI Implementation Plan 'soon' as...
-1778925320.webp)
