Nepali Congress demands Prime Minister’s presence in Parliament session

Kathmandu – The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has expressed strong objection to the Prime Minister’s absence from the House and demanded that the Speaker issue a ruling to ensure his immediate presence in Parliament.

Speaking at Wednesday’s session of the House of Representatives, Congress Whip Nishkal Rai stated that it is the Prime Minister’s responsibility to answer questions raised regarding the policies and programs he himself presented. Rai remarked that it was unfortunate the Prime Minister was not present in the House despite being scheduled to respond.

Whip Rai highlighted that maintaining the dignity and decorum of Parliament is primarily the Speaker’s responsibility and urged seriousness on this matter. “You are our leader; if the Speaker does not uphold the dignity of the House, no one else can enhance its prestige,” he said, strongly demanding through the Speaker that the Prime Minister be summoned to the House.

Similarly, Rai expressed dissatisfaction with the debates in Parliament against the judiciary and judges. He described the criticism made by Ganesh Parajuli, Deputy Leader of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), from the rostrum as an unconstitutional act. Reminding the constitutional provision that discussions about judges are not allowed in the House except in cases of impeachment, he questioned whether the RSP considers itself above the constitution. He also drew the Speaker’s attention to stopping such unconstitutional activities.