CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahar Criticizes Government, Speaker

Kathmandu. CPN-UML Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar has stated that they are not just consumers but also creators of the current federal democratic republican system and parliamentary system.

Speaking to journalists on Thursday, Mahar clarified that opposition parties including UML are not here merely to consume the system like the current ruling party, Rastriya Swatantra Party.

He said that as creators of this system, they are responsible for its protection, strengthening, and maintaining public trust. Mahar mentioned that Nepal's overall transformation and the journey towards socialism should be advanced through the parliamentary system, and stated that they are extremely responsible, conscious, and sensitive towards this.

Clarifying that the opposition parties currently in parliament are not protesting just for the sake of protest, he mentioned that they have been compelled to obstruct parliament not by choice but out of necessity. He asserted that although obstructing parliament, which is a sovereign institution for amplifying public voices, enacting laws, and holding the government accountable, is not appropriate, the current situation has forced them to take such a step.

Stating that UML will not compromise on issues of constitution, democracy, nationality, and people's livelihood, Mahar warned of strong opposition if the government's decisions and activities go against these fundamental values. He said that in parliament, ideas, agendas, and people's issues are more important than numbers, and even the voice of one MP can be sufficient. Clarifying that they do not have a policy of protesting the government just for the sake of protest as an opposition party, he said they will support the government's positive actions and offer constructive criticism and vigilance against its wrongdoings.

Mahar expressed strong dissatisfaction with the recent roles of the government and the Speaker. Accusing the government of being dominated by authoritarian tendencies, he claimed that it is trying to move forward by disregarding the constitution, laws, parliamentary practices, and democratic values and norms based on majority.

“We want to be a responsible and constructive opposition. We are not just consumers here to consume this system; we are its creators,” Mahar said. “As creators, it is our responsibility to strengthen this system and maintain public trust. We do not want to be helpless in parliament. Numbers are secondary; the main thing is the agenda and the idea.”

He stated that if the government tries to proceed with high-handedness, they will strongly resist it. Mahar suggested that the government should demonstrate 'breaking the mold' in positive areas and urged it to focus on implementing the fundamental rights, free education, and employment rights guaranteed by the constitution.

He also expressed serious dissatisfaction with the Prime Minister's parliamentary conduct. He accused the Prime Minister's presentation, behavior, and attire during the President's address while presenting the policy and program as uncivil, undignified, unparliamentary, and unconstitutional. Stating that the Prime Minister has shown contemptuous behavior towards parliament, he noted that the Prime Minister formally and respectfully attends army-related programs. Mahar commented that insulting parliament is equivalent to insulting sovereignty, the people, the constitution, democracy, and public mandate.

Similarly, Mahar accused the Speaker of becoming a 'shield' for the ruling party. Citing disregard for the House of Representatives regulations, he claimed that the provision in the regulations allowing up to 15 MPs to ask questions and requiring questions to be registered three days in advance was rejected. He accused the house of being forcibly conducted despite the opposition MPs' protests, stating that this has tarnished the dignity and decorum of parliament. He also stated that the provision under Article 76 (10) of the constitution, which makes the government accountable to parliament, is not being implemented.

Scoffing at the Prime Minister's style of attending parliament, Mahar commented that the Prime Minister presents himself in the house in the style of the Hindi films 'Singham' and 'Nayak'. He accused that the parliamentary tradition of informing the house in advance, the house expressing respect, and the Prime Minister addressing the house is not being followed.

“The Prime Minister is ignoring and disrespecting parliament, but he goes dressed up in traditional attire to army programs,” Mahar said. “The Speaker has become a shield for the ruling party. The house is being run forcibly by deploying marshals while opposition MPs are protesting. The Prime Minister enters the house like a raid in the 'Singham' style. And while responding, he says that Nepal has also encroached upon India's land.”

Mahar stated that the Prime Minister's statement in parliament that Nepal has encroached upon India's land is anti-national, traitorous, and a betrayal of the people. He claimed that the Prime Minister of any sovereign country in the world would not admit that their country has encroached upon another country's land. Mahar demanded that the Prime Minister withdraw the statement, apologize to the nation, and have the statement removed from the parliamentary records.

He said that it is not appropriate to proceed with parliamentary proceedings until the issue is resolved. Furthermore, he informed that CPN-UML MPs will not participate in parliamentary committee meetings during the period of parliamentary adjournment.