KATHMANDU: As floodwaters engulfed Lalitpur early Saturday morning, Acting Prime Minister Prakashman Singh was preoccupied with wearing garlands at a local event while citizens desperately called for help.
Four people were swept away by the Nakkhu River flood, pleading for rescue for hours without any government assistance.
While Chaniklal Tamang of Kavre managed to rescue three of the four, one remains missing.
As videos of the incident circulated on social media, public outrage grew over the government’s delayed response.
In the wake of criticism, Nepali Army helicopters were finally deployed, rescuing some civilians affected by the disaster.
Prime Minister KP Oli is currently abroad, attending the 75th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Despite the ongoing flood disaster, he has not shortened his trip and has yet to return home.
In his absence, Urban Development Minister Prakashman Singh is serving as Acting Prime Minister.
However, while floods and landslides wreaked havoc across the country, many questioned the federal government’s response.
Meteorologists had warned of potential disasters, with heavy rain affecting most regions of Nepal since Thursday.
As the Kathmandu Valley and eastern regions faced severe flooding, entire settlements were destroyed.
In response, Singh convened an emergency meeting with ministers and security agencies to address relief and rescue efforts.
Despite this, he was later seen wearing garlands at the 10th Annual General Meeting of the Dawanli Milan Club, sending a troubling message about his priorities amid a crisis.
Critics have noted that instead of focusing on urgent rescue operations, Singh appeared more concerned with ceremonial honors, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the government’s response.
Criticism from Nepali Congress leaders
Nepali Congress leaders expressed their discontent with Acting Prime Minister Prakashman Singh during a Central Working Committee meeting held at NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s residence in Budhanilkantha on Sunday.
Leaders criticized Singh for prioritizing a garland-wearing ceremony at a local club event over leading the government’s rescue and relief efforts during a severe flood crisis.
They voiced concerns that such an approach undermines the government’s effectiveness.
During the meeting, participants remarked that Singh’s behavior was inappropriate for someone in his position.
General Secretaries specifically highlighted that his actions did not reflect an understanding of the gravity of the situation.
General Secretary Gagan Thapa opened the meeting with remarks, followed by Singh, who discussed the government’s initiatives regarding disaster relief.
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak then provided updates on the government’s response to the floods and landslides.
However, after their speeches, NC leaders expressed strong criticism of both Singh and Lekhak.
They pointed out that while Singh was attending a club event, he failed to engage in the urgent disaster response required in the affected areas.
One leader noted that it was unacceptable for Singh to speak about rescue efforts without being actively involved.
Criticism was also directed at Home Minister Lekhak, who was accused of shirking responsibility by blaming others instead of taking proactive measures.
Leaders stated that his comments about the inability to conduct effective rescues were inappropriate and reflected poorly on his leadership.
The meeting underscored the dissatisfaction with Singh and Lekhak’s absence from the field during a crisis.
Leaders emphasized that they should be on-site addressing the needs of the flood-affected populations rather than attending social functions.
In response to the criticism, Singh defended his attendance at the club event, claiming he only stayed briefly before returning to Singha Durbar to focus on disaster management.
He argued that his commitment to preparation for disaster response was his priority.
Political analyst Jhalak Subedi also criticized the government’s handling of the disaster, stating that the leadership has failed to provide hope to the public in such a critical time.
He suggested that both Singh and Lekhak should consider resigning in light of their inadequate response.
He told Khabarhub, “The government’s performance has been lacking. The Acting Prime Minister attended a club event, while the Home Minister claimed he couldn’t facilitate rescues. Is that acceptable?”
Subedi also posted on X on Saturday, “The Home Minister should resign immediately; you have completely failed.”
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