KATHMANDU: The main opposition party, CPN (Maoist Centre), has accused Speaker Devraj Ghimire of bearing responsibility for the alleged manipulation of the “cooling-off period” provision in the Federal Civil Service Bill.

The party said the Speaker must be held accountable for the discrepancy between what the parliamentary committee had unanimously recommended and what was eventually passed in the House.

Speaking at a press conference at the party’s central office in Paris Danda on Wednesday, Maoist Centre spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said, “From the bill’s inclusion in the agenda to its passage, this was not the work of a few individuals. It was a deliberate and premeditated offense. The parliamentary leadership must take moral responsibility for this.”

The Maoist Centre described the changes made to the “cooling-off period” provision as a serious parliamentary offense, demanding an urgent investigation and punitive action against those responsible.

“This is a grave parliamentary crime. A thorough investigation must be conducted as soon as possible, and the truth must be made public. The culprits should be punished,” Sapkota added.

The party said this incident has called into question the integrity, honesty, and competence of the entire Parliament, its committees, and its lawmakers. “How did provisions contrary to the agreed terms make it to the floor? Who inserted them? There are many such serious questions. This fraudulent incident has cast doubt on the moral character and credibility of the entire legislative system,” Sapkota said.

He further argued that the event constitutes a betrayal of public trust and a serious blow to the spirit and values of the Constitution.

“This is a direct insult to Parliament and a stark violation of good governance values that the public had hoped for. This fraud seriously challenges the norms and ethics of parliamentary democracy,” Sapkota stated.