Karnali Politics: Congress Faces Scrutiny Over Shifting Stance on Project Tendering
Summary
The Nepali Congress in Karnali Province is facing criticism for reversing its earlier stance on project tendering, as it now pushes to allow consumer committees for projects up to Rs 1 crore. The dispute has triggered debate over procurement rules, transparency, and the party's own political agreement with the former coalition government.
Key Points
- The Nepali Congress had previously signed a 9-point agreement in Karnali that required projects above Rs 30 lakh to go through the tender process.
- The party is now demanding that projects up to Rs 1 crore be allowed through consumer committees, prompting accusations of double standards.
- Provincial ministers say the current budget guidelines continue the earlier political agreement and comply with legal provisions.
- Congress leaders argue the earlier agreement was temporary and that the tender system has caused practical problems in small projects.
