UML seeks explanation from Sudurpaschim MP Pathak, moves to remove him as committee chair

Dhangadhi: The CPN-UML has initiated disciplinary action against its lawmakers who boycotted the Sudurpaschim Provincial Assembly meeting held to pass the budget. The party has decided to remove lawmaker Dharmaraj Pathak from his position as Chairperson of the Social Development Committee after he remained absent from Tuesday’s Assembly session.

The UML has sent a formal letter to Speaker Bhim Bhandari regarding the decision to remove Pathak from the committee chairmanship. The party has also sought an explanation from him, citing his violation of the party whip directing lawmakers to vote in favor of the budget.

Tuesday’s agenda included passing the budget, which had been presented to the Assembly on Sunday. Before the meeting, the UML parliamentary party had instructed its lawmakers to attend the session, vote in favor of the budget and refrain from remaining neutral. However, Pathak did not attend the Assembly meeting.

Meanwhile, UML lawmaker Bir Bahadur Thapa resigned from his parliamentary seat after the budget was passed amid controversy on Tuesday. The party has also sought an explanation from him. Although Thapa was present at the Assembly meeting, he had not signed the attendance register.