Rastriya Swatantra Party Argues Policy Discussion Possible Without Prime Minister's Presence

Kathmandu. The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has argued that discussions on the government's policies and programs should be held even in the absence of the Prime Minister.  

This was stated by RSP Chief Whip Kabindra Burlaoti amid opposition parties obstructing the parliamentary session, demanding the mandatory presence of Prime Minister Balen Shah.  

He mentioned that while a minister can present the Prime Minister's proposal, the idea that the Prime Minister himself is needed for the discussion is not logical.  

Chief Whip Burlaoti drew the attention of the opposition parties to the fact that there is no provision in the parliamentary rules that prohibits discussion on policies and programs without the Prime Minister's presence. He clarified that there is a constitutional and legal provision for the Prime Minister to delegate his responsibilities to other ministers, and this was agreed upon and brought to the second meeting accordingly. He accused the opposition of having a dual character by allowing the proposal to be tabled but not participating in the discussion.  

He said, ‘There is no rule that requires the Prime Minister himself to attend this discussion. And since there is a provision for the Prime Minister to delegate to a minister, we agreed and came to this second meeting. If that is the case, then it should be that we only want to see the Prime Minister's face. Otherwise, matters that have been tabled should proceed to discussion; it is not possible to allow tabling but not discussion. There is nothing like this in any rule. This is not right.’  

Burlaoti also sarcastically remarked that the opposition parties were taking a stance in parliament as if they wanted to see the Prime Minister's face. He expressed the view that the parliament should not be held hostage by blocking matters that have already progressed procedurally. He asserted that it would be in line with parliamentary practice to proceed with the discussion through the minister designated by the government and urged the opposition to participate in the discussion.