Birgunj, January 17

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Bimalendra Nidhi today claimed the statute amendment bill registered in the Parliament would be passed with two-third majority even if the CPN-UML did not throw its weight behind it.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Nepal Press Union Parsa chapter in Birgunj, Nidhi held that the incumbent government was making all possible efforts to take the main opposition UML into confidence to pass the bill from the House. “Even if the UML does not support the bill, it will be passed with two-third majority,” Nidhi stated. He, however, expressed hope that UML would stand by the amendment bill at the eleventh hour.

Nidhi accused the UML of displaying very irresponsible behaviour with regard to the statute amendment bill in the Parliament. Stating that the bill was presented in the Parliament with consensus from the Madhesi forces and the Federal Alliance, Nidhi believed  that lawmakers from Madhesi parties and the Federal Alliance would cast their votes in favour of the bill.

Nidhi informed that the government was preparing to announce the date and schedule of the civic polls. “The government will announce polls in consensus with the Madhesi parties and other agitating parties,” Nidhi added. He argued that statute amendment and polls were indispensable to implement the statute.

Nidhi urged all parties and their leaders to start preparing for infrastructure development necessary for Province No 2.