April 21: The government’s decision to issue two new controversial ordinances has courted widespread criticism at a time when it should be focused on preventing the spread of coronavirus in the country.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari issued the first amendment to the Constitutional Council (function, duties, rights and procedures) Ordinance, 2077 and the second amendment to the Political Party Ordinance, 2077 upon the recommendation of the Council of Minister on Monday (April 20).

The Political Party Ordinance, 2077 issued at the wrong time drew criticism not only from the opposition parties but also within the ruling Nepal Communist Party.

The main opposition Nepali Congress has expressed serious dissatisfaction toward the new ordinance while the ruling party leaders have viewed the latest move of the government with suspicion.

The Political Party Ordinance has provision for dividing a party if either the central committee or the parliamentary party has 40 percent votes. Prior to this, both the central committee and the parliamentary party required to have 40 percent votes to split the party.

Meanwhile, the Constitutional Council Ordinance allows the government to call for the constitutional council meeting without the participation of the main opposition party leader.

Political analysts have viewed the ill-timing of the ordinances with great interest. Leaders of the ruling party itself have questioned the motive of the Political Party Ordinance, which was proposed by none other that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

This decision has made the political situation of the country volatile, shaking the foundation of the stable government with nearly two-thirds majority in parliament.

The ruling NCP immediately called a secretariat meeting at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Baluwatar on Monday evening after the cabinet recommended the president to issue the controversial ordinances.

Prime Minister KP Oli briefed the meeting on the need for the ordinances. According to NCP Spokesperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Oli said that the government was forced to bring the ordinances as the appointments in constitutional bodies had been stalled since a long time. PM Oli reportedly argued that the ordinances would not split the NCP.

However, the new ordinances have raised eyebrows at a time when the two joint chairmen of the party are at odds with each other.

Leaders at the meeting expressed annoyance that the government issued the ordinance without discussing the matter within the party first.

NCP Spokesperson Shrestha further said that the ordinances were of serious nature and they were issued without holding discussions within the party. He said that the secretariat meeting was called to discuss the issue of ordinance when the country was grappling with coronavirus.

Prime Minister Oli’s remark that the Political Party Ordinance will not split the NCP has shifted the focus toward the two Madhes-based parties, where dissatisfaction is rife. Meanwhile, the main opposition NC has also expressed grave concerns regarding both the ordinances.

A statement issued by NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba says that the two ordinances  issued by the government at a time when it should focus on preventing the spread of coronavirus pandemic clearly shows that the government is not sensitive towards the security of its people.

NC said it was unfortunate that the government has started playing “political game” at a time when the people are fighting for their safety and lives amid the pandemic.