CPN UML obstructs HoR meetings

Kathmandu, Sept. 8: Both the first and second meetings of the House of Representatives (HoR) were obstructed by the major opposition, CPN UML, on Wednesday.

The HoR meeting was begun with the commencement of the ninth session of the federal parliament.

The UML lawmakers picketed the parliament bell, arguing that Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota did not approve the recommendation of the party which had taken action against 14 lawmakers. As the UML HoR members continued picketing the bell, Speaker Sapkota postponed the meeting for 15 minutes.

The UML HoR members left their seats immediately after the Speaker recited the letter sent from the President's Office on the House call and picketed the bell.

The UML HoR members argued that those who were taken action by the party could not attend the HoR meeting.

The second meeting of the HoR witnessed similar obstruction after 15 minutes. However, amidst the obstruction, the Speaker recited the names of members to preside the HoR meeting in his absence.

Although the Speaker said his attention was drawn towards the demand they raised and sought cooperation to run the meeting, the UML lawmakers did not stop chanting slogans.

The UML had taken action against 14 lawmakers including leader Madhav Kumar Nepal, to which the Speaker denied approval. With this, the UML has accused Speaker of abetting the UML party split.

The parliament was scheduled to present the bills and ordinances including the Ordinance on Political Party (second amendment).