KATHMANDU: CPN-UML lawmaker Lal Babu Pandit has said the role of the Speaker would be called into question instead of the government if the House of Representatives (HoR) can’t conduct its business effectively.

Speaking at the HoR meeting Thursday, reminding the parliament that not a single bill had passed in the ongoing HoR sessions, Pandit said, “If questions are raised about the parliament’s inefficacy then parliament’s office bearer — Speaker – should be held to account,” adding, “Not the government.”

He requested Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota to inform the House regarding obstructions faced by the HoR to ensure passage of government proposals (bills, treaties) in the HoR. “Placing the blame on the government for parliament’s poor performance is nothing more than prejudice,” Pandit said.

Stating that parliament’s effective functioning was dependent on the leadership of the House, he said the Speaker could not recuse himself by placing the blame on the government. “The Speaker has a special role in ensuring passage of House business. Therefore, I request the Speaker to move forward proposals registered in the HoR.”