KATHMANDU: Prime Minister (PM) KP Oli, while facing a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives on Sunday, initially composed in his prepared remarks, but his demeanor shifted as he responded to MPs’ queries, appearing less poised.
Prime Minister Oli faced social media backlash for his remarks on electricity dues during Sunday’s parliamentary session. Additionally, his defense of the Giribandhu Tea Estate matter was widely criticized.
Questions arose about Prime Minister Oli’s decision to align himself against public sentiment by defending the Giribandhu case during a critical vote of confidence in parliament.
Many wondered whether a more restrained approach would have been wiser.
Similar incidents unfolded in Monday’s parliamentary session. Prime Minister Oli’s heated response to Maoist MP Lekhnath Dahal’s comments led to a lecture on dignity and ethics directed at MPs, prompting Speaker Devraj Ghimire to intervene.
That is not all. Criticism from civil society over his remarks during his tenure as prime minister of the coalition with the Nepali Congress could potentially impact the party.
“It is often said that not all that glitters is gold; sometimes it is brass, sometimes it is just a printed photograph. Such approaches do not befit the esteemed position. One must learn to act rightly and speak truthfully. Let us oppose corruption but not attempt to mask corruption by accusing others falsely.”
Party leaders have expressed concern over the implications of Prime Minister Oli’s unrestrained speeches.
Before delving into the Nepali Congress leaders’ perspectives on Prime Minister Oli’s parliamentary performance, it’s crucial to dissect the repercussions of his speeches on Sunday and Monday.
On Monday, Prime Minister Oli stood to address written questions from 10 MPs in the House of Representatives but was sidetracked by CPN Maoist Center MP Lekhnath (Rajan) Dahal’s remarks during zero hour.
“At zero hour, MP Dahal stated that there are 61 industries that evade electricity tariffs while making substantial profits. These industries owe a total of 22 billion 26 million rupees in unpaid tariffs, with 14 billion tied up in ongoing court cases. The remaining 8 billion 26 million has been ordered for collection by both District and High Courts, as well as the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.”
“Despite repeated warnings and legal orders, the electricity authority has cut off power to these industries for non-payment. Yesterday, the Prime Minister falsely denied these facts, attempting to obscure the truth with misrepresentation. In disregard of clear evidence, he suggested that electricity connections would be reinstated and tariffs waived under pressure from intermediaries.”
Instead of addressing the written questions posed by MPs, Prime Minister Oli took aim at Maoist MP Dahal, stating:
Reacting to the Speaker’s intervention, Prime Minister Oli responded firmly, “Honorable Speaker, I am entirely focused on the topic. I am very attentive to the subject matter. I paused midway through to address written questions raised in parliament, which were unscripted before. Therefore, I kindly request not to interrupt. There is no need to become agitated. Thank you.”
“Yesterday, I clearly stated that we do not intend to exempt anyone from paying electricity tariffs unjustly. What I reiterated yesterday is that payments should be made where due and not where not required. Disputes exist, and we have committed to resolving them after thorough examination.”
“How can it be said that we intend to evade payments? There is a documented record. For those who were absent, it would be wise to review the record before making assertions. We are in a dignified parliament where elected representatives should speak responsibly.”
“It is often said that not all that glitters is gold; sometimes it is brass, sometimes it is just a printed photograph. Such approaches do not befit the esteemed position. One must learn to act rightly and speak truthfully. Let us oppose corruption but not attempt to mask corruption by accusing others falsely.”
“Someone who has served as Prime Minister may not always satisfy everyone. It’s understandable if one disagrees or becomes upset. This is part of a party system. As reiterated yesterday (Sunday), we do not operate in haste, bias, or pursue politics of reprisal. Nevertheless, it is essential to hold those continuously making baseless allegations accountable.”
“Let this august House maintain its dignity. Let us refrain from trivializing and distorting the discussions, issues, and questions raised here. We should not devalue this dignified parliament by misleading comparisons or unwarranted accusations.”
Maoist Center’ Barshaman Pun halts Oli’s tirade in Parliament
Prime Minister Oli, instead of addressing written questions from MPs, began lecturing on parliamentary dignity.
Amid this, Barshaman Pun, MP of Maoist Center, rose and sought permission from the Speaker to intervene. The Speaker paused PM Oli and allowed Pun to speak.
Pun questioned, “Honorable Prime Minister, what is the context of your remarks now? This should be addressed during question and answer sessions.”
Despite the Speaker’s attempts to restore order, Oli persisted. In response, Pun softly remarked, “Are you here to criticize us?”
He further commented on the photo, “After someone took a picture, they digitally edited it to add a golden garland. Should I respond to that as well? Did I lock the room and pose for it, or did someone photograph me?”
Undeterred, Prime Minister Oli turned back and directly confronted Pun, asking, “Are you insulting me?” He warned against insults and accusations.
PM Oli and Pun exchange words
As Prime Minister Oli continued speaking, Barshaman Pun appeared to stand and interject.
Concurrently, CPN-UML chief whip Mahesh Bartaula was observed rising from his seat, starring at the Maoist MP.
It became evident that Prime Minister Oli had digressed from the topic when the Speaker intervened, stating, “I instruct the Prime Minister to stay on topic and proceed.”
Reacting to the Speaker’s intervention, Prime Minister Oli responded firmly, “Honorable Speaker, I am entirely focused on the topic. I am very attentive to the subject matter. I paused midway through to address written questions raised in parliament, which were unscripted before. Therefore, I kindly request not to interrupt. There is no need to become agitated. Thank you.”
After this clarification, Oli resumed reading the prepared answers to written questions posed by 10 MPs.
PM Oli’s contentious remarks on Sunday
Prime Minister Oli’s recent statement not only stirred discussions on Monday but also on Sunday, sparking waves in parliament and on social media.
Particularly on Sunday, Oli’s demeanor appeared somewhat uncontrolled during the session.
His reference to an old photo depicting him adorned with a golden garland, circulated widely on social media, visibly unsettled Oli.
The appropriateness of discussing such irrelevant matters in parliament, especially on a day crucial for the Prime Minister’s vote of confidence, raises questions about parliamentary decorum.
On Sunday, Oli remarked in parliament, “If someone wishes to engage in character assassination, that is a different matter.”
He further commented on the photo, “After someone took a picture, they digitally edited it to add a golden garland. Should I respond to that as well? Did I lock the room and pose for it, or did someone photograph me?”
These statements highlight ongoing controversies surrounding Oli’s conduct and statements within the parliamentary context.
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