Political parties express discontent over parliament dissolution, formation of Karki-led govt

The first cabinet meeting under Karki’s leadership recommended the dissolution of Parliament, which the President approved. While President Paudel had previously resisted such a move, mounting pressure prompted him to agree to both the dissolution and the formation of the interim government. The decision, however, has drawn criticism from major political parties.

KATHMANDU, Sept 12: Nepal’s government vacuum ended following the recent uprisings in Kathmandu and other major cities on September 8 and 9, which demanded good governance and end of corruption.

After extensive consultations, President Ramchandra Paudel appointed former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as Prime Minister on Friday evening, simultaneously dissolving the House of Representatives in response to protesters’ demands. The move temporarily places the country without elected representatives, with leadership vested in an interim government.

Protesters, including Gen-Z groups, had sought swift political reforms. The first cabinet meeting under Karki’s leadership recommended the dissolution of Parliament, which the President approved. While President Paudel had previously resisted such a move, mounting pressure prompted him to agree to both the dissolution and the formation of the interim government.

The decision, however, has drawn criticism from major political parties. UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel described the move as “ironically concerning,” noting, “In the past, majority governments’ attempts to dissolve Parliament were challenged as unconstitutional. Ironically, those same voices are now supporting dissolution. We must remain vigilant.”

The Nepali Congress (NC) also expressed disapproval, warning that any action violating the Constitution would be unacceptable. NC General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma said the party supports measures to uphold the presidency, maintain peace and order, rebuild collapsed structures, investigate and punish wrongdoers and establish high-level commissions to monitor assets. He added, “Any breach of the Constitution raises serious questions.”

The CPN (Maoist Centre) has also expressed serious disagreement with the decision to dissolve the House of Representatives. The Maoist Center’s Spokesperson and Vice Chairman Agni Prasad Sapkota stated that this decision was made during an emergency meeting of the party’s central office-bearers.

Analyzing the current situation, the Maoist Centre has decided that it strongly disagrees with the move to dissolve Parliament, as it goes against the country’s constitutional framework.

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