KATHMANDU: Tensions flared in the House of Representatives on Tuesday after ruling party MP Ramhari Khatiwada’s critical statements about former Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, leading to protests from opposition lawmakers and confusion over parliamentary procedures.
The controversy began after Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar initiated special time following the conclusion of the zero hour, when Speaker Devraj Ghimire stepped out for a break.
Rana Magar, under the mistaken belief that special time had ended, allowed Khatiwada to take the floor despite it not being on the agenda.
This decision triggered an uproar, with opposition members raising objections to Khatiwada’s unplanned speech.
During his two-minute address, Khatiwada fiercely criticized Lamichhane, accusing him of misusing the Nepal Police during his tenure as Home Minister.
He alleged that Lamichhane promoted police officers based on personal interests and disrupted the police system, particularly highlighting the promotion of officers junior to others and arbitrary transfers. He also defended the current Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and Inspector General of Police Basanta Kunwar.
Khatiwada’s statements were met with immediate resistance from the opposition. Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Ganesh Parajuli raised a point of order questioning the legitimacy of Khatiwada’s address, prompting Maoist Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey to challenge the Deputy Speaker’s decision.
Rana Magar requested the Parliament Secretariat to investigate the incident that occurred between zero and special hours. Meanwhile, opposition lawmakers staged a protest, demanding clarification on the procedural irregularity.
The situation escalated when Speaker Ghimire returned to the chair, attempting to defuse tensions by stating that an investigation would take place, but opposition members refused to resume the session without further clarification. The House was adjourned for 15 minutes, although the meeting had not resumed by the time of the report.
Khatiwada’s remarks about Lamichhane, the police system, and the misuse of power have drawn strong reactions, highlighting ongoing political rifts over police reforms and leadership changes in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The opposition, meanwhile, remains adamant that parliamentary procedures be upheld and clarified in the wake of the incident.
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