RPP Lawmaker Khushbu Oli Criticizes Partisan Politics in Parliament

Kathmandu. Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Khushbu Oli has stated that the support and solidarity shown by members in the House of Representatives are confined within partisan boundaries. Sharing her experience from Thursday's first session of the House, she remarked that even the 'desk-thumping' used to support positive points appeared to be distributed based on quotas.

Lawmaker Oli noted a trend where reactions in the House are based on which bench a voice comes from, rather than the weight and depth of the ideas presented. 'It is ironic that there is enthusiasm when one's own side speaks, but silence is maintained regardless of how meaningful the issues raised by the other side are,' she said. 'If support is only given after party approval, then even correct ideas now require a party 'ticket'. This is not democracy; it is an invisible censorship imposed on thought.'

Recalling that serious issues were raised by both the ruling and opposition sides during the first session, she emphasized that the value of an idea should be determined by its impact. Lawmaker Oli stated that instead of debating policies and perspectives, the House is currently engaged in 'the politics of the right to applaud'.

'The time has come not just to thump desks, but for our thinking to clash and awaken,' Oli added. 'Because ultimately, history will not measure our voices, but our integrity and maturity. On that day, it will not be recorded how many times we thumped the desks, but how many times we stood by what was right.'