Nepal Opposition protests ‘ordinance raj’ under K P Oli

A fourth ordinance, for which President Ram Chandra Poudel is yet to give assent, would give the government authority to confiscate land and distribute to the landless, triggering apprehension that it was done in order to benefit ruling party workers.

According to Nepal’s Constitution, a demand by 25 per per cent of the members makes it mandatory to have the House in session.

“The government has deliberately delayed to convene the winter session of Parliament so that it can abuse power by promulgating ordinances. We will take every initiative so that the House is convened as soon as possible,” Maoist Centre leader and former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun said.

After a meeting of the Opposition parties, Pun accused the government of acting arbitrarily and said more parties will join the fight.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister K P Oli defended the decision. He said there were many shortcomings in the laws and that the ordinances were issued to address them. The PM also expressed hope that the ordinance related to land will get the President’s assent soon.