KATHMANDU: Major parties on Friday have agreed to discuss three pending bills related to the annual budget before discussions on the no-confidence vote, breaking the week-long stalemate over agenda of the next House meeting.

Consequently, the meeting, which was called for 2 pm today, has been postponed for 4:30 pm.

According to Nepali Congress senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel, the no-confidence motion now would be tabled at the same session which would conclude discussions on the three bills.

Earlier, major parties were at odds over what to put first - a no-confidence motion filed against the incumbent government or three budget bills - in discussion at the Parliament.

While the UML had wanted to discuss the budget bills first before facing the no-trust vote filed against the government led by its Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the NC and the Maoists - who had formed an alliance to topple the government - said the no-confidence motion should be discussed and put to vote first before any other business.

The House is yet to approve three vital components of the annual budget for the new fiscal year - Finance Bill, Bill to Raise Public Debt, and Loan and Guarantee Bill.

Meanwhile, it has been learned that the NC and the CPN MC would vote against the bills when they would be put to vote.

(Updated)

Parliament meeting delayed as top leaders' meet continues

KATHMANDU: The Parliament meeting called for 2 pm on Friday has not begun yet as of 3 pm as top leaders of major political parties and Speaker Onsari Gharti are busy discussing agendas for the meeting.

Speaker Gharti is holding a meeting with leaders of Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN Maoist Centre in a bid to forge consensus among them on what to put first - a no-confidence motion filed against the incumbent government or three budget bills - in discussion at the Parliament.

While the UML wants to discuss the budget bills first before facing the no-trust vote filed against the government led by its Chairman KP Sharma Oli, the NC and the Maoists - who had formed an alliance to topple the government - said the no-confidence motion should be discussed and put to vote first before any other business.

It has been learned that Oli is absent in the meeting convened by Speaker Gharti and his deputy in the UML Parliamentary Party, Subas Chandra Nembang, is representing the ruling party.

Earlier on Thursday, the House meeting was postponed for Friday as the leaders continued parleys in the quest of consensus, but to no avail.

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