Nepal Maoist file 'commitment proposal' against President in the parliament

Kosh Raj Koirala – Asian Tribune Correspondent in Nepal

Kathmandu, 21 May, (Asiantribune.com): Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) on Wednesday tabled a 'commitment proposal' at the parliament secretariat against the President's move to block the government's decision to sack the army chief Rookmangud Katawal.

The proposal registered by Maoist party deputy leader in parliament, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, comes just two days after Maoist lawmakers stormed the legislature and demonstrated inside the assembly hall to prevent a vote for a new prime minister.

In the proposal, the party has stated that the President's move to reinstate army chief goes against the spirit of Interim Constitution and the values of civilian supremacy. The proposal has sought withdrawal of President’s order against the government decision to sack army chief.

"It has gravely violated the concept of civilian supremacy sought by the Nepali people through their long struggle, political change and the great people´s movement of 2006," it reads.

Party chief whip Posta Bahadur Bogati and lawmaker Barsha Man Pun seconded the resolution, which was registered as per the decision of the party´s central secretariat meeting held at the prime minister´s residence at Baluwatar, Wednesday morning.

The speaker has exclusive authority to decide whether or not to forward the resolution to the House for deliberations, after consulting the political parties represented in parliament.

"I will hold a meeting of the parliamentary Business Advisory Committee on Thursday to discuss the issue," said Speaker Subas Nembang.

He, however, hinted that the resolution could be dismissed after consultation with the political parties if it is found to be against constitutional provisions.

Even if the motion against President Dr Yadav, which will be debated by all parliament members, is approved, it can only put moral pressure on the President to resign from the post.

However, it cannot forcibly remove President from his office The Maoists have been obstructing House proceedings and staging demonstration against President’s move to reinstate army chief after they stepped down from the government on May 4. Among other things, the continued obstruction in House has affected election to new Prime Minister in the country.

- Asian Tribune -