The CPN(UML)-led government was on Wednesday finally able to endorse the budget for the current fiscal year. The major opposition party, Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) had been obstructing Parliament for the last three months.
As the country faced financial difficulties, various sectors including the political parties had been requesting the Maoists to resume the parliamentary proceedings, obstructed in protest of President Ram Baran Yadav’s decision to reinstate the then Chief of the Army Staff General Rookmangud Katawal, removed by them, in May.
The Maoists agreed to participate in Parliament for three days, until Wednesday, to let the government pass the budget. Financial operations of Nepal’s Ministries, government offices, government hospitals and prisons had been affected as the budget was not passed. The international community had also raised concerns as the House was obstructed in a democratic country.
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The Parliament will, however, be obstructed again as the Maoists are carrying out a third round of agitation against Mr. Yadav and demand discussion on his move, which they claim was “unconstitutional” in Parliament. The ruling parties are against the idea of discussing the President’s move in the House.