Kathmandu, July 19
Speaker Onsari Gharti said on Tuesday she wanted the Parliament to pass the Fiscal Bill before discussions on the no-confidence motion against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Speaker Gharti said: For three days, I discussed the matter with the Nepali Congress and the Maoists (CPN-Maoist Centre), but they paid no heed.
Gharti said she has maintained her neutrality, in response to criticism coming from CPN-UML lawmakers for removal of a proposal on Fiscal Bill from the House’s businesses.
Talking to the media at her residence in Baluwatar onn Tuesday, Gharti said she could not make parties agree on the matter even after three days of discussions.
She said: My reading was that the Congress and the Maoists would let the Parliament discuss the Fiscal Bill even after tabling the no-trust motion, but they did not.
On Tuesday, I had a discussion with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. I am still ready for any alternative if parties reach an understanding.
At the same time, she asked parties not to take her as someone, who is from a certain party. It is wrong to take President as someone from the UML, me from the Maoist party and Chief Justice from some other party, Speaker said, adding: I abide by the Constitution, governing regulations and the precedents while discharging my duties.
People kept Prime Minister in confusion about the whole thing, Gharti said, adding that she had shown flexibility in a bid to find a way out. Prime Minister has said he will discuss the matter with all concerned and inform me about the outcome, Speaker said.
“We still have time. Speaker has the authority to set the time-table. If parties come to an understanding, I can reschedule businesses.”
Amid charges from UML lawmakers that she was blocking the passage of the Fiscal Bill, Speaker hinted she was ready to exercise flexibleility.
The Parliament is discussing the no-confidence motion on Thursday. Speaker said she will initiate the due process if political parties fail to reach an understanding by 10 am on Thursday.
