UML asks 22 lawmakers casting votes in favor of Deuba to submit clarification within 24 hours

KATHMANDU, July 19: The CPN-UML has asked its 22 lawmakers, who voted in favor of Nepali Congress(NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba during the vote of confidence motion in parliament on Sunday evening, to submit clarifications within 24 hours.

A Central Committee(CC) meeting of the party held on Monday made a decision to seek clarification as they flouted the party’s decision to vote against the NC prime ministerial candidate. The Standing Committee meeting of the party had earlier issued a whip to all UML lawmakers to vote against Deuba.

The CC meeting has expressed serious concern over the decision of the party's lawmakers to flout the party's official decision. “The meeting today has asked the lawmakers, who voted for NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba to submit clarification within 24 hours. The party will further take action against them,” he said.

Earlier, Chairman KP Oli had said that those who vote for Deuba will no longer be UML members. Addressing the meeting today, Oli reiterated that all but Madhav Kumar Nepal would be welcomed in the party if they realized their mistakes in the past. Sources said the UML will most likely relieve all those who voted in favor of Deuba in parliament on Sunday from the party’s general memberships.

Here is the list of UML lawmakers who voted in favor of Deuba in the floor test on Sunday. While eight lawmakers are said to be close to Oli, the remaining others are close to senior leader Nepal.

1. Madhav Kumar Nepal

2. Bhawani Khapung

3. Mukunda Neupane