Gagan Thapa Questions Government on Five Key Issues

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has warned the government not to show arrogance based on numbers by giving five questions and suggestions to the government. Speaking at a program organized in Sunsari by the Nepali Congress, Thapa urged the government to be accountable and address the issues of people's livelihoods. Here are the five questions and suggestions given by Thapa to the government.

Urging the Government to be Accountable

Thapa expressed concern that accountability is not being seen due to the power in the government. He stated that although the Rastriya Swatantra Party received a mandate to run the government with a clear majority, close to two-thirds, it has not been run properly. Recalling that governments with a majority in the past could not be operated properly, Thapa urged them to be accountable. 'We respect the mandate that the RSP received to run the government,' Thapa said, 'but the government must be accountable.' He wished that the past terms, which received a comfortable majority but were not completed, would not be repeated. Thapa urged Prime Minister Balendra Shah to consider the constitutional limits, even with a mandate of about two-thirds and being popular. 'Let the government remember that no one is above the constitution and the law,' Thapa said, 'one cannot do whatever they want just because they are powerful and popular.' Thapa stated that the government cannot demolish slum settlements on a whim just because it has power and position. 'The government should manage the settlements, and we will support it,' Thapa said, 'Can settlements be demolished without managing the slum dwellers just because someone desires it? Even if there is a responsibility to clear encroachments, he warned to act according to the responsibilities defined by law. Congress President Thapa expressed anger, accusing the government of arbitrarily arresting industrialists, businessmen, and bankers. 'Construction entrepreneurs were taken from their homes by the police for not giving appointments when the minister called,' Thapa said, 'We also heard news of bank CEOs being arrested without reason.' Thapa warned not to arrest anyone as one pleases if there is a disagreement. 'We disagree with illegal activities and if such actions are repeated, Congress will protest,' Thapa said. Thapa urged not to underestimate Congress, saying it is alive. 'The government should not harbor arrogance just because it has numbers,' Thapa said.

Seriousness on People's Livelihoods?

Congress President Thapa has urged the government to be serious about issues related to the livelihoods of ordinary citizens. He drew the government's attention to the impact of the Middle East crisis on the daily lives of citizens. 'The rise in fuel prices has affected people's lives,' Thapa said, 'Citizens who earn income through ordinary labor are struggling to run their kitchens. The government should work on this.' Thapa said that the prices of daily necessities have increased due to the rise in transportation and production costs, and people are unable to afford their kitchens. 'The rise in fuel prices has affected farmers who use pumps for irrigation. Fertilizer management has not been done. Problems are seen in the construction sector,' Thapa said, 'The government should be responsible, and we are ready to cooperate.' He accused the government of trying to gain popularity by claiming to have released a few crores when about one trillion rupees need to be returned to those affected by cooperatives. Congress President Thapa urged to solve the problems seen in health insurance. 'We started health insurance,' Thapa said, 'It is currently in a bad state. The government should manage it.' He urged sensitivity to the issue of citizens in the border areas facing problems due to restrictions on goods exceeding one hundred rupees. He stated that Congress is ready to cooperate on issues of people's livelihoods if the government calls for it. Thapa said, 'Prime Minister, where are you? We want to discuss.'

Do Not Treat Constitution Amendment Lightly

Congress President Thapa questioned the task force formed to amend the constitution and urged not to treat the issue of constitution amendment lightly. He said that the feelings of Nepalis are connected to the 2072 constitution. 'There are some undesirable things in the constitution. It needs to be amended,' Thapa said, 'Remember, this is a matter connected with feelings.' He added, 'Do not make the constitution amendment a trivial matter.' 'The constitution cannot be amended by a few people sitting together,' Thapa said, 'The government has not followed the proper procedure.' He stated that if the feelings of a diverse society are not addressed properly, accidents can happen, and Congress also has a stake in the debate on constitution amendment.

Demand for Action Against Culprits of August 24

Congress President Gagan Thapa has demanded an investigation into the August 24 incident and bringing the culprits to justice. 'The Janji movement took place on August 23 and 24. An investigation committee was also formed under the chairmanship of a former judge,' Thapa said, 'Although the committee submitted a report on the August 23 incident and initiated the process of action, the August 24 incident must also be investigated.' 'The most damage to life and property occurred on August 24,' President Thapa said, 'The culprits must be brought to justice.' He demanded the public release of the National Human Rights Commission's report on the Janji movement.

Be Serious About Good Governance

Thapa urged the government to be serious about matters of good governance. He stated that the jurisdiction of the commission formed by the government to investigate the assets of persons holding public office should be clear. He questioned whether the Prime Minister and the government ministers are ready to participate in this examination, stating that he is ready to take the examination if he has made mistakes in the matter of good governance. Thapa said that the issues raised regarding the ministers should be investigated. 'What is the legal source of the ministers' asset details? Where did the family earn from? These questions should be asked,' Thapa said, adding that everyone has the right to earn property legally.