“We have neither forged an agreement nor taken any decision to let the budget pass in parliament,” said Maoist Vice chair Narayankaji Shrestha, while briefing journalists on the meeting of top party leaders at party headquarters in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
The Maoists have stated that they are ready to hold separate talks with the government on the issue of budget, even as their differences with the ruling parties continue. But no talks in this regard have been held so far.
“The government is to blame for this,” Shrestha claimed. He argued that it was the responsibility of the government to create an atmosphere for talks. “But the government is not serious about resolving the crisis and has not taken any initiatives to resolve it,” he said.
On Sunday, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal reportedly stated that the Maoists were ready to let the budget pass in parliament. The budget for the current fiscal has not been passed yet due to continuous obstruction of parliamentary proceedings by the Maoists. The legislature-parliament has passed a vote on account bill allowing the government to spend only one third of budget.
Govt has tarnished country´s image: Dr Bhattarai
Maoist vice chair Dr Baburam Bhattarai has stated that the government´s accusation that “the UN´s stance has become lopsided in favor of Maoists” has tarnished the country´s international image.
“It is an utter irresponsibility on the part of the government that has tarnished the country´s image in the international arena,” Dr Bhattarai told reporters at the party headquarters on Tuesday.
He said such statements from the government may even jeopardize the Nepal Army´s presence at peace keeping missions in various countries.
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