Nepali Congress Pledges Constructive Opposition in New Parliament Session

Through this first session of the House of Representatives, we are embarking on a new journey today. We must resolve from this very first day to ignite new hope and confidence among the citizens. At this moment, I call upon everyone to unite and remember all the martyrs who lost their lives from the 2007 revolution to the recent Gen-Z uprising.

Let us collectively remember the 2046 People's Movement, the decade-long armed conflict, the 2062/063 People's Movement, the Madhesh Movement, the Tharuhat movement, and the various demonstrations by indigenous nationalities, along with the many sacrifices made during those times. Although we are in the same place with different beliefs and ideologies, we are in the same boat. If it sinks, we all sink together; if it rises, we all rise together. Our parties may differ, but our country is one. Therefore, let us resolve to work with integrity and ensure that no one has to shed blood again.

• Parliamentary System: A Shared Path for All

By participating in large numbers with enthusiasm in the Falgun 21 elections, all Nepali mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers have demonstrated a strong commitment to democracy. The parliamentary democratic system, proposed by BP Koirala as the most suitable path for Nepal, has once again been endorsed by all political parties, all generations, and all voters.

There was a time when the parliamentary system faced attacks from the monarchs of that era; today, friends who support the monarchy are also part of this parliament. Friends from the Maoist party, who once declared they would overthrow the parliamentary system to seize state power by force, are also sitting here today in a calm, gentle, and gentlemanly manner. Friends who once stood firmly against the path taken by the Congress, claiming that 'the country cannot be run by parties,' are also present here today, having formed a new party and becoming the largest party.

I am delighted to welcome you all to this parliamentary system, which acts as the shared shade of a tree. Although the Nepali Congress has become the second-largest party after the election, the principles, ideas, and path upheld by the party have become even stronger and more successful. This is a moment for every member of the Congress party to express special satisfaction, and I wish to remember each of those respected colleagues while standing at this rostrum.

• Congratulations and Best Wishes to All

The Nepali Congress holds the perspective of 'innovation in continuity.' Therefore, in every era, the Congress has either led every change or brought the legitimate issues raised by others to a conclusion. In that sense, the Congress is committed to bringing the issues raised by the 'Gen-Z' uprising to a conclusion. As a responsible opposition party, the Congress is committed to supporting, assisting, and keeping a check on this change.

I would like to recall that the special general convention of the Nepali Congress, embracing the voice and sentiment of change, has passed various perspectives. The Congress, which began under the leadership of BP Koirala, has entered a transformation suited to the changing times and society, moving through Subarna Shamsher, Ganesh Man Singh, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, Girija Prasad Koirala, Sushil Koirala, and Sher Bahadur Deuba, to today making Gagan Thapa the president through a special general convention.

However, we could not convey that message of change to the citizens in a short time. As the main opposition party, we are clear that in the coming days, we must transform the style and behavior of ourselves, our party, all parties, and the overall politics in accordance with the changes that have occurred in the country.

Therefore, I would like to congratulate the Rastriya Swatantra Party, elected as the first party, its leadership, the new Prime Minister Balendra Shah, and the new government, and extend my best wishes for a successful tenure on behalf of the Nepali Congress party and myself personally. I also extend my congratulations to every honorable member of all parties elected in the elections held on Falgun 21.

• Turning Hope into Confidence

One of the primary tasks this parliament must do together is to continuously ignite and preserve hope and confidence among the citizens. The narrative of despair that 'nothing has happened in the country' in the last 35 years has reached every person. We must be able to break this.

Let us look back at the last 35 years—

• A decade-long armed conflict occurred during this period. Thousands died and billions were destroyed.

• The King dissolved the elected government and ran an autocratic regime during this period.

• The country faced two devastating earthquakes during this period. Thousands died and billions in damage occurred.

• Our country was also gripped by the global COVID-19 pandemic during this period, which caused the deaths of thousands of our relatives and put the nation's economy at risk.

Despite such adversities and crises, some progress has been made in the country. Just think...

Was the road that reached the village not built after the changes of 2046?

Was the electricity that lights up homes today, replacing lives forced to live by oil lamps, not connected during this period?

Did the drinking water facilities that have reached many more villages and courtyards today not come from projects built and taps connected during this period?

Did the health posts opened in villages and the insurance policy not start during this period?

And I want to ask—

Is the communication facility that has reached the hands of people in remote villages an example of nothing happening in this country, or a sample of some beginnings?

Is the massive expansion of the private sector, including banks, financial institutions, airlines, and media, not a progress the country has made during this period?

Yes, it could have been more, it should have been more. But on one hand, it could not happen due to various adversities, and on the other, it could not happen due to our governance weaknesses. We are self-critical about this. But whatever happened, it happened through all of our efforts. That is, the despair that 'nothing happened' is not based on truth. We must explain what has been done to the citizens and resolve to complete the many tasks that remain. This parliament must take the citizens into confidence on that journey.

• The Question of Bhadau 23 and 24

We are not sitting in our parliament building today. Our parliament building was reduced to ashes on Bhadau 24. Let us remember those ashes at this time, and resolve—let us work in such a way that no one comes forward to turn this country into ashes in the future.

Why was the parliament building reduced to ashes? Why was Singha Durbar burned? Why were many physical structures destroyed? Through the Speaker, I want to draw the government's attention—it is necessary to analyze the events of both Bhadau 23 and 24 one by one.

Some see the events of the 23rd but not the 24th, some see the destruction of the 24th but not the repression of the 23rd! This trend is completely wrong. Even the investigation commission formed by the government investigated the incident of the 23rd and recommended action; but said there was no time to investigate the incident of the 24th. What kind of method is this? It is hard to say that this act of repeatedly extending time but claiming there was not enough time was not intentional by the individuals on the investigation commission.

I want to draw the attention of the new Prime Minister—should the government itself publish the report of the investigation commission, or should the government also read it in Gorkhapatra? I urge the government to present itself with wisdom, respecting the law and procedure. The Congress has held the belief from the past that 'no guilty person should escape, and no innocent person should be trapped.' We are still clear and firm on this belief today.

• Journey of Good Governance and Prosperity

To prevent uprisings and explosions like the Gen-Z uprising in the future, we truly need to think and work in a new and visionary way. Why could no Prime Minister rule for a continuous 5 years in the last 75 years? I will not ask, what is written in the destiny of today's new Prime Minister? Rather, I want to wish him well for the full term. You will have our clear support to do good for the country.

However, if any act is done against the constitution, or if any action is taken against the expectations of the citizens, we will stand at the forefront to warn you. We want the new parliament and the new government to focus on making the journey of mutual harmony in society, good governance in state administration, and overall prosperity dynamic.

Finally, on behalf of the Nepali Congress, while respecting everyone again, I express my heartfelt gratitude and respect to the Honorable President Ramchandra Paudel for his constant firm support in completing the election, the respected Sushila Karki who led and her government, and the Election Commission that worked day and night to complete the election, all security agencies, the police deployed in the election, and all respected journalist friends.

(Speech delivered by Nepali Congress House of Representatives member Bhishmaraj Angdembe in the House of Representatives meeting)