Congress Opposes Ordinance Route for Sudurpaschim Budget, Calls for Waiting for Supreme Court Order

Dhangadhi: The main opposition Nepali Congress has drawn the government's attention to the prolonged delay in presenting the budget for Sudurpaschim Province. The Congress has termed it a serious matter that the province remains without a budget even though approximately 55 days have passed since the formation of the government led by Chief Minister Khagaraj Bhatta. The party stated that the lack of a budget is affecting the provincial government's regular activities, development and construction works, essential services, and even the payment of staff salaries and allowances.

The Congress has opposed preparations to introduce the budget through an ordinance while the Provincial Assembly is in session. The party asserted that attempting to bring the budget via an ordinance, thereby bypassing the House's constitutional authority and parliamentary procedures while the Assembly is active, is unacceptable. According to the Congress, such a move would run counter to democratic values, parliamentary practices, and the constitutional spirit.

A statement issued by Kamal Bahadur Shah, leader of the Congress parliamentary party in Sudurpaschim Province and former Chief Minister, states that the party has repeatedly urged the government to introduce the budget as soon as possible to immediately resolve the province's "budget vacuum."

The Congress noted that although the provincial government had decided during a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee on Asoj 20 to present the budget on Asoj 21, it failed to do so in accordance with its own decision. The party claims this indicates that the government's budget preparations were incomplete and that it was unable to implement its own decision.

Meanwhile, citing that the matter regarding the budget is sub judice at the Supreme Court, the Congress has demanded that the government halt the budget process until a clear court order is issued. According to the Congress, the Supreme Court has scheduled a hearing for Ashwin 23 to discuss an interim order regarding the writ petition filed against the Sudurpaschim provincial government's budget, requiring both parties to appear.

The Congress has expressed its readiness for dialogue and a resolution to end the budget impasse and ensure the smooth delivery of services to the public. However, it has warned that it will oppose any actions that violate the Constitution and parliamentary procedures.