Opposition Demands Probe into EV Tax Evasion, Criticizes PM's Border Remarks

Kathmandu. Opposition party CPN-UML has demanded the formation of a parliamentary probe committee into the tax evasion in electric vehicle (EV) imports. UML lawmaker Laxmi Prasad Pokharel, speaking during an emergency hour in the House of Representatives meeting, raised questions about EVs brought in by evading tax on the eve of budget formulation.

He demanded the formation of a parliamentary probe committee, stating that vehicles were imported by manipulating tax rates, causing losses to the state.

Lawmaker Pokharel said, "A parliamentary probe must be conducted into the EV scandal, otherwise UML will take this matter seriously." He termed Prime Minister Balen Shah's statement in the House regarding the border as "treason."

Lawmaker Pokharel stated that historical maps since the Sugauli Treaty have proven that Lipulek, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, along with 372 square kilometers of Nepali land, belong to Nepal.

He said, "Maps from 1816, 1819, 1821, 1827, and 1856 show this land as Nepal's. However, the Prime Minister saying 'We have also encroached upon India's border' is an insult to 30 million Nepalis and an act of treason." He demanded that the Speaker immediately remove the Prime Minister's statement from the parliamentary record.

Lawmaker Pokharel said that the statements made by government ministers in and outside parliament raise questions about the direction the government is heading. He objected to the Finance Minister's threatening language and the Infrastructure Minister's anarchic statements like "breaking the contractors' legs."

"Activities of intimidating, insulting, and using abusive language towards employees are increasing. This is not democratic culture," Pokharel said, "We are the power that led the movements of seven years ago, 1990, and 2006/2007; this constitution was not made by any commission, we made it. Therefore, the country cannot run on the whims of the government."