UML protests in parliament, session put off for 15 minutes

Kathmandu, Feb 26: The main opposition CPN (UML) has protested in the House of Representatives today. Once the meeting commenced, the UML lawmakers stood from their respective seats to chant slogans accusing the government of becoming apathetic to the issues of usury victims and dairy farmers. 

Then, Speaker Devraj Ghimire allotted time to UML lawmaker Gokul Prasad Baskota to put his views. Baskota blamed the government for not addressing the contemporary issues raised in the parliament seriously and not implementing the Speaker's ruling.  

He also sought resignation from those ministers who have been in 'controversies'.

Similarly, Rastriya Prajatantra Party's Rajendra Prasad Lingden said victims of usury and microfinance have been denied justice and the government failed to address issues of dairy farmers. He warned that the party will hit the parliament if there is no substantive development in addressing the problems. 

Rashtriya Swatantra Party's lawmaker Rabi Lamichhane urged the respective ministers to respond to the Speaker's rulings. As he said, usury victims have been denied justice due to a lack of implementation of the law against the practice. 

As the UML lawmakers refused to follow the Speaker's frequent calls to have their seats and allow the House to proceed with its business, the meeting was postponed for 15 minutes. (RSS)