Gagan Thapa urges CM Shah to resolve budget dispute with UML through consensus

Dhangadhi: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has suggested that the dispute over the Sudurpaschim Province government’s budget should be resolved through mutual understanding among the ruling coalition parties.

In a meeting with Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, who had reached Kathmandu on Monday for discussions with party leadership regarding the budget dispute, Thapa suggested moving forward through further dialogue and consultation with the CPN-UML based on consensus.

Thapa expressed the view that decision-making should be strengthened by enhancing cooperation in line with the spirit of the Congress-UML alliance.

The UML, a coalition partner in the provincial government, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Rs. 37.7 billion budget announced by the provincial government on Asad 1 and has already registered a proposal to cut expenses in the provincial assembly. Differences have also emerged within the coalition regarding budget implementation.

Chief Minister Shah has indicated that a task force could be formed if necessary to resolve the dispute. However, the UML has maintained that the budget should not only be amended but also prepared again.

Chairman Thapa said that the budget dispute should be resolved through dialogue and consensus rather than confrontation for the stability of the coalition. It has been reported that discussions were also held on making the coalition’s functioning more effective.

Congress Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma and House of Representatives member Diwan Singh Bista were also present during the meeting between Chief Minister Shah and Chairman Thapa.