The government plans to submit six ordinances for approval in Parliament by March 6. However, this move has sparked tension within the ruling coalition, with the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal opposing the land ordinance.
Coalition Leaders Begin Talks with JSP Nepal
The government hopes to push all six ordinances through Parliament, but only if JSP Nepal agrees to the proposals by March 3. Mahesh Bartaula, the Chief Whip of the ruling party, confirmed that the ordinances would be presented to Parliament on March 5 or 6, depending on JSP Nepal’s response.
Leaders from the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist-Leninist (CPN-UML) met on Friday to discuss the issue. The meeting took place at Baluwatar, where the leaders agreed to push forward with the ordinances but only with JSP Nepal’s support.
JSP Nepal’s Opposition to the Land Ordinance
At the center of the conflict is the land ordinance. JSP Nepal has strongly opposed the ordinance, which aims to amend several land-related laws. The party wants the ordinance withdrawn, claiming it is harmful to the nation.
Though JSP Nepal is part of the ruling coalition, its opposition has caused a delay in the government’s plans. Bartaula said that the government would proceed with submitting the ordinances to Parliament, but only if the party agrees to the terms. Negotiations are ongoing.
Government to Address JSP Nepal’s Concerns
During the Baluwatar meeting, leaders decided that JSP Nepal’s concerns should be addressed. They agreed to engage in talks with JSP Nepal to resolve the issue. The ruling parties are committed to making amendments to the land ordinance if necessary to secure JSP Nepal’s support.
Bartaula added that the government would first submit the ordinances to Parliament. The land ordinance would be introduced first, followed by a replacement bill. He emphasized that the government wanted to reach an agreement with JSP Nepal as soon as possible.
Upendra Yadav Criticizes the Land Ordinance
JSP Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav has been vocal in his criticism of the land ordinance. He argues that the ordinance will harm the country’s economy and environment. Yadav claims the ordinance will allow land mafias, middlemen, and real estate agents to take control of valuable state land. These groups would seize the land under the pretext of helping landless people and later sell it to private interests.
Yadav also warned that the land ordinance could undermine Nepal’s efforts to secure international funding for forest conservation. He argued that settling the landless should not involve deforesting valuable land.
Yadav strongly criticized the government’s approach, saying, “This scheme will allow land mafias and middlemen to take control of valuable state land in the name of landless people. This will harm the economy, damage the environment, and we must oppose it.” He believes that the government is using the issue of landlessness to benefit powerful groups, which he argues will damage Nepal’s future.
The Political Impact of the Ordinance Debate
The land ordinance has become a key point of contention in Nepal’s politics. The country is already dealing with many challenges, including economic recovery and social inequality. The debate over land management has further complicated the political landscape.
Although the government has presented six ordinances, it has yet to submit the land ordinance for approval. JSP Nepal’s opposition has delayed the decision. However, the ruling parties remain determined to pass the ordinances and are working hard to resolve the issue with JSP Nepal.
Negotiations to Continue
The government hopes to submit the ordinances to Parliament on March 5 or 6. This depends on whether JSP Nepal agrees to the government’s proposals. If JSP Nepal agrees, the ordinances will be presented for a vote. If the talks fail, the future of the ordinances is uncertain.
Bartaula stated that the ruling parties would continue discussions with JSP Nepal. The goal is to reach an agreement and pass the ordinances. He also mentioned that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister would coordinate with the ruling parties, starting on March 3.
The dispute over the land ordinance is a critical moment for Nepal. The outcome of the negotiations will affect the country’s political stability and development. The next few days will be crucial. Both sides must find common ground for the government to move forward with its plans.
For updates on this developing story, visit Nepal Monitor.
