Opposition's criticism of ordinance unfounded and baseless: Minister Gurung

Kathmandu, March 6 — Information and Communications Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung questioned opposition lawmakers on how the government can be deemed autocratic while carrying out constitutional duties.

He made this statement while responding to questions raised by lawmakers during the National Assembly session on Thursday regarding "Ordinance to Amend Certain Nepal Acts Related to Good Governance Promotion and Public Service Delivery."

"Honorable members have said that the ordinance does not align with the law, procedure, and process," he said. "But if it aligns, the honorable members would not be speaking about it here."

He reminded that the constitutional provision allows the government to issue ordinances when necessary.

"Was the House of Representatives and the National Assembly in session when we issued the ordinance? It was walking step by step. There is no substance in this argument," Minister Gurung said.

"You have participated in that very process, yet you are claiming it doesn't align with the law," he questioned.

He also asked how the government could be arbitrary while performing constitutional duties.

Furthermore, he claimed that the government remains committed to the fundamental principles of democracy.

Minister Gurung pointed out that lawmakers opposing the ordinance had not opposed it based on logic or facts but simply for the sake of opposition.

He stated that there was no alternative but to approve the ordinance.

He also provided information that the ordinance aimed at promoting good governance would amend 12 laws and expressed the need to implement it quickly.