KATHMANDU: Amid growing controversy over the visit visa scandal, CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula has called on opposition parties to create an environment in Parliament where Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak can present his response.
Speaking to the media after Tuesday’s scheduled joint session of both Houses of the Federal Parliament was postponed, Bartaula expressed disappointment that opposition parties had not agreed to allow Minister Lekhak to speak.
“The opposition may actually be satisfied with the Home Minister’s answers,” Bartaula said, adding, “Refusing him the opportunity to respond in Parliament sets a troubling precedent. When questions are raised about a minister, the individual concerned should be allowed to respond in the House.”
Addressing opposition demands for Lekhak’s resignation, Bartaula argued that such a move should come only after the Home Minister has had a chance to answer questions in Parliament.
“They’ve raised issues regarding the Home Minister — even demanded his resignation, and called for a parliamentary probe. But all of these are secondary. His right to respond in the House comes first. This is both a democratic principle and a parliamentary tradition,” he said.
The joint session of the Federal Parliament had been expected to convene on Tuesday, but was postponed due to lack of consensus among parties.
Bartaula said the UML had repeatedly urged opposition lawmakers to facilitate Minister Lekhak’s participation, noting, “He is present and willing to answer. Let’s not deny him that basic right.”
Bartaula also warned that blocking ministers from addressing Parliament when questioned could set a dangerous precedent for the future.
“Let’s not go down a path where ministers are denied the opportunity to speak. We’ve postponed today’s House session until 1 pm tomorrow as part of ongoing efforts for consensus,” he said.
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