Parliament set for discussion: home minister to address 100 kg gold smuggling case

KATHMANDU: The 100 kg gold smuggling case is poised to take center stage in Nepal’s political arena, as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha prepares to deliver his response before the esteemed members of Parliament.

Scheduled for the House of Representatives sitting at 3 pm today, Home Minister Shrestha will provide crucial insights and answers regarding the intricate 100 kg gold smuggling case that has captivated the nation’s attention.

The spotlight on this issue has been intensified by the unyielding stance of the main opposition party, CPN-UML. The party, persistent in its demand for the establishment of a high-level investigation committee to thoroughly examine the allegations of gold smuggling, has effectively obstructed the normal proceedings of the parliament.

In recent days, discussions have been fervently underway amongst prominent leaders from the Nepali Congress, UML, and the Maoist Center, in addition to the Speaker of the House. The aim of these discussions was to devise a strategy to alleviate the parliamentary obstruction. Despite concerted efforts, a consensus on the matter remained elusive.

However, a pivotal shift appears to be on the horizon. With the impending address by the home minister regarding the 100 kg gold smuggling case, the CPN-UML has expressed its willingness to temporarily lift the parliamentary obstruction. This change in stance signifies the importance of the home minister’s forthcoming response in shedding light on the case’s complexities.

Mahesh Bartaula, the Whip of the CPN-UML, has stated that their decision to allow parliamentary proceedings will be contingent upon the clarity and comprehensiveness of the home minister’s response. Should the response fail to meet the criteria of being ‘clear,’ the party is poised to reinitiate its obstruction of the parliament, reiterating their commitment to accountability and transparency in matters of national significance.