KATHMANDU: A meeting of the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives erupted into a fiery exchange on Thursday at Singha Durbar, as Chairperson Raj Kishor Yadav and Nepal Workers and Peasants Party lawmaker Prem Suwal engaged in a heated verbal clash.
The confrontation stemmed from Suwal’s objection to Yadav’s alleged disregard for dissenting voices during the decision-making process.
The meeting had convened to discuss the management and operation of Nepal Airlines Corporation’s flights, but tensions flared over the formation of a subcommittee under the leadership of an absent member.
Expressing his frustration, Suwal accused Yadav of ignoring committee members’ objections and acting in an authoritarian manner.
“Forcing decisions despite dissent, and making decisions without listening to objections? This is not the Rana regime. Don’t try to act like a reincarnation of the Ranas,” Suwal said.
Suwal further cautioned Yadav against being a puppet of the ruling party and insisted that his dissenting opinions be acknowledged.
Yadav fired back, accusing Suwal of unnecessary dramatics and warning him against overstepping boundaries.
“Stop indulging in theatrics and crossing your limits,” Yadav said, adding that Suwal’s behavior was disruptive to the committee’s functioning.
The exchange intensified as Suwal continued to voice his opposition to the subcommittee’s formation.
“Do not become authoritarian. Authoritarianism will lead to your downfall. Forming a subcommittee under an absent member is unacceptable. Decisions must be made with input from all committee members,” Suwal said.
In response, Yadav accused Suwal of being disrespectful and overly confrontational, urging him to stop trying to act overly clever.
Former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, who was present during the meeting, chose to remain silent amid the escalating dispute.
Despite attempts by another lawmaker to defuse the situation, Suwal continued to challenge Yadav’s leadership and decision-making practices.
This is not the first time Chairperson Yadav has clashed with committee members. Past meetings have witnessed similar altercations, including disputes with lawmakers Sudan Kirati and Prem Suwal.
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