Statute amendment, reconstruction bills tabled in parliament amid UDMF protest

Constitution amendment bill was tabled in the meeting of the parliament despite protest by MPs of the Madhesh-based parties on Tuesday. The government also tabled Reconstruction Authority bill.

MPs of the agitating United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) stood in protest after Speaker Onsari Gharti included both the bills in the agenda of today’s house proceedings. While the opposition NC had been obstructing past meetings of the house demanding that both reconstruction and amendment bills be tabled together, UDMF had remained rigid on the stance that it would not allow Reconstruction bill to proceed.

UDMF lawmakers began protesting immediately after Minister of Law Agni Prasad Kharel requested time from the Speaker to present constitution amendment bill along with reconstruction bill. Speaker Gharti allowed the proceeding to carry on despite the protests.

The meeting was adjourned until 4 pm on Wednesday after both bills were tabled.