PM Oli asks political parties to pass constitution amendment bill unanimously

KATHMANDU, May 26: Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has asked all the political parties representing the parliament to unanimously endorse the constitution amendment bill that seeks an amendment to the Schedule-3 to update the Nepal map in the national emblem as per the revised administrative map of Nepal.

The government, on May 18, released the new map of Nepal incorporating the encroached territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, and the amendment bill is scheduled to be presented in the parliament on Wednesday for discussion.

Law Minister Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe had registered the amendment proposal on Friday.

“At the all-party meeting held at the PM’s official residence in Baluwatar, PM Oli sought consensus among all parties on the amendment motion as it was the matter of national integrity and sovereignty,” said Minister of Foreign Affairs Pradeep Gyawali.

“The prime minister has requested all the parties to stand in favor of the amendment,” he added.

The government is planning to pass the bill within a week after it is presented in the parliament tomorrow.

During the meeting, the main opposition party Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur asked the government to wait until his party central committee makes a decision to this effect but said his party is in favor of the amendment.

Janata Samajbadi Party also stood in favor of the bill but has demanded the government to include their demand so that “it would further consolidate national consensus”.