PM Oli defends President’s move to call for govt formation

NL Today

  • Read Time 2 min.

Kathmandu: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Friday defended President Bidhya Devi Bhandari’s move to call for the formation of an alternative government pursuant to Article 76 (5) of the constitution.

Speaking at a press conference in Baluwatar, Prime Minister Oli claimed that the government had recommended before President Bhandari to initiate a process for the formation of a government as there was no basis for the incumbent government to secure the confidence of the House of Representatives.

The Prime Minister claimed that the recommendation was made to ensure the formation of another government soon and to facilitate the unveiling of policies and programs and budget.

“The budget should be presented on May 29 as per the Constitution. The deadline for the formation of a new government was kept short to ensure that the new government tables policies and programs and fiscal budget on time. How can a new budget unveiled if the formation of a new government is delayed? Therefore, the call was made with a short deadline,” argued PM Oli.

Prime Minister Oli further said that those protesting against President are unaware of the President’s constitutional duty.

“I am accountable for my recommendation. Why blame the President? ,” questioned PM Oli.

The move by President Bhandari to call for new government formation has been widely criticized. Constitutional experts have argued that the move is against the constitution as the Prime Minister is yet to resign. A total of six writ petitions have presented before the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday against the move.

On a separate note, Prime Minister Oli said he called upon Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba to form a national consensus government.

“I called him this morning and told him that I would support him constructively in opposition if he is able to form a new government,” said PM Oli.

The Prime Minister said that he can stake a claim to lead a new government again as he has 121 lawmakers.