Irrigation minister Gautam calls for approval of NA election ordinance

KATHMANDU, Dec 22: Irrigation Minister Sanjaya Gautam has viewed that the National Assembly (NA) election ordinance presented to President in line with laws should be approved.

Speaking at an interaction organized by the Reporters Club Nepal in the capital on Friday, he stressed the need for its approval to give full shape to the federal parliament.

He also viewed that it would be indecent to unnecessarily drag President into controversies in relation to the issue, as she could use her constitutional rights to approve the ordinance that was brought in line with the single transferable voting system, part of the proportional representation system.

The Minister has also a tip for CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ to sort out the issue in the context that the distance between the ruling Nepali Congress and main opposition CPN-UML is growing as a result. He viewed that Dahal should play a mediator and help hold talks between the government and political parties in this regard.

Saying people’s mandate at present has been in favor of the left alliance, allowing it to run the next government, Gautam, also NC leader, said the NC was ready to stay in opposition.

Reflecting on poll results where the NC performed poorly, he said the results have given a blow to the party, and that a party central working committee meeting should be called at the earliest to review weakness and shortcomings within.