KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has said that the government’s policies and programs appear to be merely a formality, lacking both vision and enthusiasm.
Speaking in Parliament, he remarked, “The government itself seems disheartened. There is no excitement, and it feels like these policies and programs were introduced just to fulfill procedural requirements.”
Lingden noted that the only notable difference in this year’s document compared to the previous one is its length. “Last year, it was 81 pages. This year it’s 56. The previous one was better,” he said.
He also criticized the government for what he sees as attempts to suppress dissenting voices. Thanking the government sarcastically, he said, “At least you have shown how fragile this system is.”
He emphasized that having differing opinions about the republican setup is legitimate and protected under the constitution. “You cannot make laws to silence those who disagree. The constitution prohibits that,” he added.
Lingden claimed that the constitution allows for amendments on fundamental aspects like republicanism, secularism, and federalism, provided they do not compromise national sovereignty, territorial integrity, or the sovereignty of the people. “The constitution itself allows for these changes. So, yes, a monarchy can be restored within this constitutional framework,” he said.
Responding to critics who accuse monarchists of rejecting the constitution entirely, Lingden clarified, “We are not saying everything in this constitution is wrong. We believe certain parts are worth preserving, and we are raising issues within the bounds of the rights and mechanisms provided by the same constitution.”
He further stated that even if a proposal to amend the constitution is unlikely to pass, holding a different opinion is part of a healthy democratic process. “Instead of using fear to stifle opposition voices, why not do something that instills hope in your republican system?” he concluded.
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