Oct 12, Kathmandu - A dispute has broken out within the ruling coalition over Sudurpaschim Province’s budget for the current fiscal year, 2083/84, presented nearly two months late.

Economic Affairs Minister Chakra Bahadur Malla presented a budget of around Rs 37.7 billion in the Provincial Assembly on Sunday. A meeting to discuss the budget was scheduled for 8 a.m. Monday but was postponed until Tuesday amid growing dissatisfaction within the ruling parties.

The Provincial Assembly Secretariat said the meeting would now take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday.

The controversy intensified after ruling-party lawmakers accused the government of drawing up the budget through intermediaries in exchange for commissions. Lawmakers from the CPN-UML and CPN have reportedly warned they may not support its passage, while some ministers in the government have also expressed dissatisfaction.

Chief Minister Khagaraj Bhatta, Finance Minister Malla and Finance Secretary Rajendra Hamal have been accused of preparing the budget unilaterally. As tensions mounted, Bhatta called ministers for discussions.