KATHMANDU, AUGUST 26
CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli today presented his political document in the party's central committee meeting, saying that forces were active to weaken multi-party competitive democracy in the country. He flayed the government for 'flouting democratic norms', ignoring the main opposition party on major national issues, and failing to address economic woes of the country.
Oli said instead of trying to hold comprehensive debate on the citizenship bill returned by the president to the House of Representatives, the government passed the bill in haste without any changes.
"This was clearly an undemocratic and unparliamentary act that has widened its rift with the main opposition party,"
Oli stated in his report.
He said the ruling coalition was a group of opportunistic forces that were bereft of any principle or policy.
Oli said his party had emerged as a party with a strong political base despite attempts to censure it.
He said the UML had kept the door for seat sharing arrangements in the upcoming parliamentary and provincial elections open, but it was also ready to fight the election on its own.
He said amendment to the citizenship bill would not suffice and a new citizenship law should be made. "There should be a waiting period for foreign women marrying Nepali citizens to obtain naturalised citizenship. On some issues of citizenship, people's opinion should be sought as provisioned in the House of Representatives Regulations," he added.
He condemned US Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
If tension between the US and China increases in this region, it could have adverse impact on the world, peace, stability, and economy. Oli said formation of security alliance, such as the Quad and AUKUS, could increase tension in the Asia Pacific region.
Oli accused the ruling alliance of trying to bulldoze the Parliament to pass the Truth and Reconciliation Act (Amendment) Bill. He said his party would adhere to international norms and ensure that victims got justice.
UML Deputy General Secretary Prithvi Subba Gurung told mediapersons after the central committee meeting that the UML would rely on his own strengths during the upcoming polls.
"In the recently held local polls, we got 34 per cent popular vote. If we can add 5-6 per cent vote, we can win simple majority," he added. He said the UML membership was close to nine lakh people."If one party member added two votes, it could help us increase 1.8 million votes and we are working to realise this plan," said Gurung.
He said he was in favour of seat-sharing arrangements with other parties, but that didn't mean the UML would not contest elections if there was no seat sharing arraignment.
Oli said in his document that the UML derived its power from the people of the country, and not from leaders of groups.
Oli said the CPN-UML should remain united and bring dissatisfied cadres and leaders of other parties into its fold.
He said none of the ruling parties would be able to compete with the UML separately and the ruling allies were trying to induct more forces to fight against the UML, Oli added.
Olispeak
• The government is acting against democratic norms by trying to pass bills even after provincial and parliamentary polls have been declared
• The government is misusing all state organs to suit its interests
• The government is adopting confrontational approach visà-vis the main opposition
• The ruling alliance is trying to appease external powers and undermining Nepal's relations with neighbouring countries
• The government will not negotiate with India to get Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani back but is trying to create artificial boundary dispute with China
Nine groups to dwell on his document
KATHMANDU: Nine groups have been formed to discuss the political document presented by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in the ongoing central committee meeting of the party.
The groups will also analyse local level elections, figure out ways to do well in the forthcoming election, and prepare a blueprint for selection of candidates.
Oli will respond to queries and suggestions on his report. The report will be passed later.
UML's central committee meeting also formed an election manifesto preparation taskforce and election mobilisation committee under Oli's coordination.
The central committee of the party will meet again at 10:30am on Saturday. (RSS)
A version of this article appears in the print on August 27, 2022 of The Himalayan Times.
