Congress MP Arjun Narsingh KC Criticizes Government's Policy and Program Discussion Limitation

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress lawmaker Arjun Narsingh KC has said that limiting the discussion on the government's policy and program to 6 hours is an insult to parliament.

Participating in the discussion on the policy and program in the House of Representatives on Thursday, he recalled the tradition of serious discussions lasting from a minimum of three days to a week in the past. He also accused the ruling party of trying to silence the voices of opposition MPs by showing the arrogance of the majority.

Lawmaker KC mentioned that serious debate is necessary within the parliament as the policy and program encompass national annual policy, economic direction, social and international relations, among other issues. He expressed strong dissatisfaction with the absence of the Prime Minister during the discussion.

Stating that the constitution, rules, and international practices are the main basis for running the parliament, he urged the ruling party MPs to look at the parliamentary precedents of Japan, Britain, Australia, and India. He argued that since the policy and program is the Prime Minister's document, he himself should be present and respond.

Citing Article 76 (10) of the constitution, he recalled the constitutional provision that the Prime Minister and ministers must be collectively and individually accountable to parliament. He said, 'It is stated that the Prime Minister and ministers will be collectively and individually accountable to parliament. And will the Prime Minister not be individually accountable to parliament? Is this the parliamentary tradition we are trying to build anew? Is this the parliamentary path we are trying to follow?'

He emphasized that parliament should be run by conscience and awareness, not by the force of majority, and clarified that democracy will not be strengthened by insulting parliament. Expressing anger over the government's style of work, lawmaker KC added, 'Prove the majority you have received in parliament not through arrogance and conflict, not through excitement but through awareness, not through impulse but through conscience. But it will not work by insulting and disrespecting parliament.'

He termed the government's policy and program as a document that sells dreams, hides reality, and deals with hope and despair. He claimed that although there are some positive aspects in the program, there is no clear strategy and direction for their implementation.