Govt. formation delayed with continued Maoist obstruction of parliament

By Bhola B Rana

Kathmandu, 18 May: One day after majority 350 legislators supported the candidature of former CPN-UML General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal as a new prime minister, Maoists obstructed parliamentary proceedings for the seventh time Monday delaying government formation.
Maoists have reiterated their position to disrupt parliamentary proceedings until a presidential action asking Army Chief Gen Rukmangud Katawal is corrected; Maoists have launched street protests against President Dr Ram Baran Yadav as well calling the presidential action unconstitutional.
Dr Yadav has asked Prime Minister Prachanda to continue in an acting capacity until the formation of a new government.
Maoist parliamentary party and secretariat meetings Monday demanded discussion on presidential action in parliament—a demand opposed by Nepali Congress.
A political stalemate continued for 13 days after Prachanda resigned when the president overturned a decision of the Maoist-led government to sack Gen Katawal four months before the expiry of his tenure.
Efforts of Speaker Subash Nemwang Monday to resume parliamentary proceedings smoothly by holding talks with party whips and the prime minister was inconclusive.
Parliament was adjourned until Tuesday after Maoists gheraoed the rostrum.
RPP-Nepal, with four members in parliament, lent its support Monday for the candidacy of Nepal.
Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel rejected Maoist demand for discussion of presidential action in parliament as the case was sub-judice as supreme court is discussing the action.
But Maoist leader Narayan Kazi Shrestha said parliament is supreme and can discuss the presidential action.
Meanwhile, MJF parliamentary party leader Bijaya Gachendrar threatened Monday to topple party Chairman Upendra Yadav if parliamentary party decision to join Nepal government isn’t endorsed by the party central committee.
CPN-UML Monday demanded an official probe into Sunday’s stoning of General Secretary Ishwor Pokhrel’s vehicle in Ramechap where he asked workers to retaliate Maoist attacks.
Dr Baburam Bhattarai said Monday the Nepal government won’t last more than three months reminding his audience in Gorkha Nepal lost from two constituencies in constituent assembly elections on April 2008.
Another Maoist leader CP Gajurel said in Nepalgunj Maoists can’t return to jungle of even f they want to and revealed Upendra Yadav was proposed as prime minister to Girija Prasad Koirala to stop appointment of Nepal on Indian initiative.
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Tharus resume protests

Kathmandu, 18 May: Tharus Monday resigned indefinite protests in the terai demanding de-linking from the Madeshi community.
Normal life in terai districts were disrupted.
They suspended it after a political crisis following the resignation of Premier Prachanda.
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Home ministry appeal on terai killings

Kathmandu, 18 May: After 15 persons, including 14 Indians were killed in the terai fearing they were abducting children for kidneys and eyes, home ministry has issued a public appeal expressing concern over killings.
Such attacks could propel anarchy and lawlessness, the ministry warned.
The ministry asked people to report suspects to local administration.
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Nepal hosting climate change conference

Kathmandu, 18 May: Nepal, home of the world’s tallest mountain peaks, is hosting a three-day international conference on climate change in August.
Nearly 200 delegates are expected to participate.
World Bank said it will support the government to hold the conference.
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