National Assembly Member Ranjit Karna Questions Government Governance and Ministerial Assets

Kathmandu. National Assembly member Ranjit Karna has questioned the government's working style and its commitment to good governance during a meeting of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee. Karna raised concerns regarding the unexplained assets of ministers, tax compliance, and the growing distrust among the younger generation toward politics.

MP Karna defined the National Assembly as a 'chamber of senior intellectuals and elders' rather than a mere formality. He emphasized that the assembly must act as a 'check and balance' to monitor government actions and prevent executive overreach. 'The voice of Parliament is the voice of the people. If the government ignores or disregards questions raised in Parliament, it is a mockery of democracy,' Karna stated.

MP Karna criticized the government over the recent discourse surrounding ministers' asset declarations. He demanded a factual investigation into these declarations, tax clearance, and the legitimacy of income sources. 'Asset declarations are made upon becoming ministers, but where did that wealth come from? Has the tax been paid? What is the source of income? Without answering these questions, talk of good governance is meaningless,' he added.

He argued that as long as cabinet members remain under a cloud of suspicion, the public will not experience good governance. He contended that political deviations have created deep distrust toward state mechanisms and Parliament among the new generation, particularly 'Gen Z'.

MP Karna said, 'The perspective of today's youth toward Parliament and leaders has changed. If we do not reform now, there is a risk that this generation will reject the system entirely.'

He also suggested that to dispel this distrust, the assets of all high-ranking officials since 2046 BS should be investigated.

Meanwhile, a writ petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the qualifications of Attorney General Dr. Narayan Dutta Kandel. Supreme Court Information Officer Nirajan Pandey confirmed that Senior Advocate Madhav Kumar Basnet filed the petition. The hearing for the writ has been scheduled for Baisakh 3.