Former Speaker Objects to Rabi Lamichhane’s Incendiary Remarks, Accusing Him of Spreading Hatred Ahead of Elections

On Tuesday, Lamichhane addressed an election rally for RSP candidate Indira Rana Magar in Jhapa’s Electoral Constituency No. 3, where he criticized former Speaker Ghimire — who is now standing as a candidate in Jhapa-2 under the UML banner — for allegedly cutting off microphones in Parliament when “people’s voices” were being raised. In his remarks, Lamichhane said, “When the people’s voice was being raised in Parliament and the microphone was switched off, with what face is the former Speaker now asking for votes?”

Lamichhane’s comments were widely seen as outside parliamentary decorum. Former Speaker Ghimire, however, condemned them as expressions aimed at spreading hatred against him. “Today in Birtamod, Rabi Lamichhane called me the Speaker who cut the microphone when the people’s voice was raised — it appears to be an attempt to foment hatred against me,” Ghimire said in a statement.

Ghimire reminded the public that the act of cutting a microphone in Parliament is not a matter of personal discretion. He explained that parliamentary procedures grant all members a right to speak but also set time limits and orderly conduct so that debates proceed fairly. According to him, “The issue of whether a microphone is turned off or remains on is not determined by the Speaker’s personal view, but is done in accordance with preset time and parliamentary rules. Anyone familiar with parliamentary practice should understand this.”

Ghimire also turned questions back on Lamichhane, referring to the ongoing cooperative scandal involving the RSP chairman. He challenged the moral basis on which Lamichhane is seeking votes, arguing that there is even doubt over whether he can legally remain a member of Parliament if elected due to pending legal issues. “When there is no legal basis to remain in the parliamentary post even if he is elected, on what ethical ground is he asking for votes?” Ghimire asked, though he added that he was not interested in engaging in personal attacks.

Emphasizing democratic norms, Ghimire said that candidates and parties should focus on presenting their programs, plans and agendas to the public. He warned that rhetoric aimed at spreading hatred, personal accusations or sowing division will not endure in a competitive election environment.