Parliamentary Debate Erupts Over MP's Remarks, Prime Minister's Absence

Kathmandu. There was a question-and-answer session between ruling and opposition party MPs in the House of Representatives. In Wednesday's House of Representatives meeting, MPs engaged in a question-and-answer session regarding each other's statements. On Tuesday's meeting, MPs from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) objected in Wednesday's meeting to the statement made by UML Parliamentary Party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa 'Badal'. Thapa had stated that the RSP's electoral victory was due to the use of algorithms, and that the RSP was not an ideological political force but a 'mob of anarchists'.

Regarding the same issue, RSP MP Manish Khanal drew the Speaker's attention on Wednesday. He argued that if Badal's statements were kept in the parliamentary record, it would create a wrong record for the future, and therefore, they should be removed. Immediately after RSP MP Manish Khanal spoke, UML Chief Whip Ain Mahar countered. However, the Speaker did not heed Mahar's request and ruled the Parliament Secretariat to remove the statement made by UML leader Badal as demanded by RSP MP Manish Khanal.

Speaker Aryal ruled that since Badal's statement violated Rule 21 (d) of the House of Representatives Regulations, such matters should be removed from the parliamentary record.

Meanwhile, UML Chief Whip Ain Mahar accused the government of repeatedly disrespecting the parliament. Mahar stated, 'The attempt by another minister to table [something] without informing the house is a violation of the rules, parliamentary rules, and the constitution.' He mentioned that Article 76, Sub-section 10 of the constitution clearly states that the Prime Minister and all ministers are accountable to the Federal Parliament, and by not being present in the house, the Prime Minister has disrespected the parliament.

Another UML MP, Guru Baral, also demanded that the house be informed about the Prime Minister's whereabouts. Baral objected, stating that the ruling party was ignoring the issues raised by the opposition. 'What is stopping the Prime Minister from coming here? Where is he? The house needs to know? If there is a valid reason for him not to be able to come, perhaps another minister can respond!' said Baral.

After the question-and-answer session, as the opposition party MPs continued their protest, the Speaker adjourned the meeting for 15 minutes and engaged in consultations with the parties.