KATHMANDU, July 19: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN), the third-largest political party in the Federal Parliament, is mulling over withdrawing its support to the KP Oli-led government, expressing discontent over the recent 'unpopular moves' of the government.
According to the top leaders of the party, the party's presidium meeting on Wednesday decided to caution the prime minister about increasing public ire on the streets and the government's delay in addressing the party's demands.
“We have sought an appointment with the prime minister but his secretariat has not contacted us so far. First of all, we will caution him about our demands and the ongoing public criticism of the government,” said RJPN presidium member Sharat Singh Bhandari. He further added that if the prime minister does not show interest in addressing the demands and concerns, the next meeting of the party will discuss about withdrawing support to the government.
RJPN mulls withdrawing support to govt
We supported Oli to ensure a stable and strong government which could work for the nation's development and prosperity, but the government appears to be failing to deliver on our demands and public expectations.
-- RJPN presidium member Sharat Singh Bhandari
“We supported Oli to ensure a stable and strong government which could work for the nation's development and prosperity, but the government appears to be failing to deliver on our demands and public expectations,” Bhandari added. “We have yet to discuss whether or not to withdraw our support. First we will listen to what the prime minister has to say about those concerns.”
RJPN supported Oli to win the vote of confidence in parliament in March but didn't join the government stressing that their various demands including constitution amendment and withdrawing political cases against its leaders and cadres involved in the Madhes movement be addressed first. The party has been pressing the government to withdraw the case against its lawmaker-elect Resham Chaudhary who has been accused of masterminding the August 2015 Tikapur massacre.
On August 24, 2015, seven security personnel including SSP Laxman Neupane and a toddler were brutally killed during a clash between the police and armed protesters affiliated with the Tharuhat Struggle Committee in Tikapur of Kailali.
RJPN presidium members vented ire against the government for its apathy to Dr Govinda KC's demands for reforms in medical education sector. The party has also decided to draw attention of the prime minister to save the life of Dr KC.
Leaders criticized the government and ministers for its controversial and unpopular decisions.
