In what could lead to a historic turn in country’s politics, the first session of the reinstated House of Representatives (HoR) today accepted a proposal tabled by newly appointed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to go for election to constituent assembly.

The parliament hall erupted in applause as deputy speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav, read out the sankalpa prastab (memorandum) sent by PM Koirala, who could not attend the parliament session due to his frail health. The Prime Minister’s proposal was supported by CPN (UML) general secretary and MP Madhav Kumar Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali Congress (D), Lilamani Pokhrel of People’s Front Nepal, Nepal Workers and Peasant Party’s Narayan Man Bijukchhe and Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandi Devi) MP Hridayesh Tripathi.

“I shall remain committed to the six-point roadmap of the seven-party alliance (SPA) and the 12-point understanding with the Maoists. I have tabled my proposal for election to constituent assembly in today’s session,” Koirala’s proposal read, adding, “This public commitment is my oath taken amongst the people”.

PM Koirala also proposed to announce ceasefire and peace talks with the Maoists as per the mandate of the people’s movement, the roadmap of the SPA and the 12-point understanding reached with CPN (Maoist).

Lawmakers stand in silence in memory of martyrs of the recent people movement in the first session of the parliament, Friday, Apr 28 06. nepalnews.com/rh

Deputy speaker Yadav told the House that the PM could not attend the first session as well as his swearing-in ceremony because of his poor health. But he hopes to attend the next parliament session, she said.

The MPs cheered when the deputy speaker welcomed Indian parliamentarian and CPI (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechuri and other delegates in the parliament session. Yechuri is of the few Indian leaders who have been vocal in favour of the people’s movement in Nepal and the SPA’s agendas.

Seven-party cadres and civil society activists staged sit-in front of the main entrance of Singha Durbar, chanting slogans in favour of immediate announcement of constituent assembly election.

In the beginning of the session, Yadav read out the royal proclamation of April 24, a letter of the Royal Palace and the resignation letter of Taranath Ranabhat as the speaker of the HoR. Ranabhat resigned from his post on Wednesday “to pave way for fresh election to the post”.

The next session has been called on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. the parliament building in Singha Durbar. nepalnews.com mk Apr 28 06