Former Speaker Ghimire Accuses Rabi Lamichhane of Spreading Hate with Misleading Remarks

Former Speaker Devraj Ghimire has accused Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), of making misleading statements with the intent to spread hatred against him.

Lamichhane had commented on Ghimire during an election program organized by the party in Birtamod, Jhapa on Tuesday, referring to him as the 'Speaker who cuts the microphone when the people's voice is raised.' In response to this comment, Ghimire issued a press release stating that electoral competition in democratic practice cannot be influenced by personal accusations and hatred.

He mentioned that while every member has the right to speak in parliamentary practice, time allocation is done to advance discussions systematically and sequentially. 'Cutting the microphone or the act of it being cut is not based on the Speaker's personal opinion but is a process according to predetermined time and parliamentary regulations,' Ghimire wrote in the statement.

In the statement, the former Speaker claimed that anyone with a basic understanding of parliamentary procedure can comprehend this.

Ghimire also cited examples in his statement where microphones were cut during the tenure of the Deputy Speaker or other honorable members chairing the session, which he noted is available on the parliament's website, given his experience in parliamentary practice.

Ghimire also questioned Lamichhane, asking with what moral authority he is seeking votes when he lacks the legal basis to remain a member of parliament.

Ghimire, who is a candidate from Jhapa Constituency No. 2, also reminded that he had previously committed to not commenting on rival candidates.