PAC meeting: UML MP Lama criticizes opposition MPs, sparks heated debate

Kathmandu, January 21 — Tensions erupted among lawmakers after CPN (UML) MP Tara Lama Tamang criticized comments made by opposition party MPs about the chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee.

Lama stated that it would be better not to speak further after the comments made about the chairperson by other MPs during the committee meeting.

In Tuesday's meeting, Lama expressed that informal discussions are fine, but it is inappropriate to continuously target the chairperson during official meetings. "The chairperson is always being targeted. There’s never any debate on the agenda. From now on, it’s better not to speak," Lama said.

In response, Maoist MP Leknath Dahal raised an objection, asking, "What do you mean by 'it’s better not to speak'?"

"Are you asking to engage in wrestling? This is unparliamentary language, remove it from the record," Dahal demanded.

Lama replied, "Why remove it? I’ll speak. Have I pointed to anyone? They do many things and come here."

Congress MP Yogesh Bhattarai also supported Lama, asking, "What’s unparliamentary about it?"

Dahal responded, "The words used by the honorable member are unparliamentary and should be removed."

Lama then responded, "Do you want to go viral by speaking? Let’s go to Prachanda’s place. I’ll go myself. Yesterday, there was no debate on the agenda that was set, it was manipulated, and questions were raised about the chairperson."

Maoist MP Amanlal Modi objected, claiming that there had been threats of power abuse. He said, "Can threats be made just because of power? Is this acceptable? Is such behavior allowed in the parliament? This is completely unacceptable."

Congress MP Sanjay Gautam raised concerns about the effectiveness of the parliament and pointed out that the directives given by the committee have been neglected. "The price of cement has gone from 400 to 800, and the committee must address this issue," he said.

He also noted that it was natural for ordinances to come.