MPs criticize government: Jha on free speech, Rai on female PM, Ale Magar on alliance stability"

Kathmandu, September 3— Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Manish Jha has criticized Communications Minister and Government Spokesperson Prithvi Subba Gurung's recent remarks.

During an emergency session of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Jha questioned whether the minister, who also serves as the government spokesperson, has any right to curtail the freedom of speech of the head of the police organization. He pointed out that freedom of expression is one of the core principles of democracy.

Jha challenged, “If the head of the police organization raises concerns, and the spokesperson and minister respond by saying they will ‘pluck out his tongue,’ where is the freedom of speech and democracy in that?”

Jha also suggested that the senior leaders of the UML party should teach their ministers proper conduct before criticizing others. “We request that the elders of that party focus on teaching civility to their own ministers first,” he added.

Similarly, CPN-Maoist Center MP Durga Rai has challenged Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on when he will appoint a woman as Prime Minister. Speaking during the zero hour of the House of Representatives meeting on Tuesday, MP Rai posed this question.

She noted that while the House of Representatives regulations provide for the formation of a Women’s Coordinating Committee, this committee has yet to be established, which she argues is not the fault of the female MPs.

Rai highlighted Prime Minister Oli’s statement where he has tried to take credit for the appointment of females to key positions, including Speaker, Chief Justice, and Chief Secretary, and he also has promised to appoint a woman Prime Minister soon. She questioned, “Since when are you planning to appoint a woman Prime Minister?”

Rai further asked, “How is it justified to not create an environment for establishing the Women’s Coordinating Committee as required by regulations, while simultaneously claiming that you will appoint a woman Prime Minister at some event?”

She also accused the Prime Minister of saying one thing and doing another, implying a lack of consistency in his actions.

Lawmakers in National Assembly session also criticized government on various issues. CPN (Maoist Centre) National Assembly member Suresh Kumar Ale Magar expressed skepticism about the longevity of the Congress-UML alliance.

Ale Magar noted that government ministers have described the alliance with the UML as precarious, suggesting that it is unlikely to endure.

Speaking at the National Assembly meeting on Tuesday, he stated that while the Maoists hope for the alliance's success, they are prepared for changes if necessary.

He pointed out that the Maoist Centre has previously shown willingness to leave power when required.

“There is currently a coalition government comprising two major parties: the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML,” Ale Magar said. “We are not concerned about the formation of this government. We did not protest or resist. We will let it proceed.”

Ale Magar also remarked that the purpose of the current alliance is as clear as daylight.