Kathmandu, May 7

The main opposition Nepali Congress today expressed serious concern about the government’s decision to recall Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay.

Former Minister Upadhyay was appointed ambassador to India by the previous Nepali Congress- led government. CPN-UML was the major coalition partner in the government.

Addressing the Parliament today, NC lawmaker Prakash Sharan Mahat demanded clarification from the government over its decision to recall ambassador Upadhyay.

He criticised the UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led government, saying such incident would tarnish Nepal’s image. Mahat also accused the government of taking a revengeful decision. He said it was the task of the Parliament to change the government and it was a mistake on the part of the government to internationalise the issue.

He termed the decision of the government to recall ambassador Upadhyay as irresponsible, revengeful and immature.

Mahat also demanded the government’s opinion on the issue of tax to be paid by Ncell.

Agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front boycotted today’s meeting of the parliament.  Lawmaker of Sadbhawana Party Narsingh Chaudhary expressed ire over the government’s indifference to the demands of the UDMF. He said the UDMF would not participate in the parliament meetings unless the government expressed commitment to address their concerns.

The deliberations on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill 2016/17 in the Legislature-Parliament that began on Friday concluded today after Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel told the Parliament that he would try his best to incorporate suggestions from the lawmakers.

Speaker Onsari Gharti read out the letter issued by the president’s office. Gharti said President Bidhya Devi Bhandari was scheduled to reveal the government’s policy and programmes at 4:00 pm tomorrow.