Bajgain says RSP’s signature campaign could amount to contempt of court

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has warned that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)’s ongoing signature campaign in support of its jailed party chair Rabi Lamichhane could be interpreted as contempt of court.

Speaking during a special hour in Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Bajgain stressed the need for more policy-oriented debates and solution-focused dialogue in parliament. He lamented the rising trend of personal attacks and blame games overshadowing constructive discussions.

“Parliament is our supreme democratic institution as defined by the Constitution. But lately, the level of discourse has been deteriorating,” he said. “Instead of engaging in constructive dialogue, members are resorting to personal accusations and divisive language.”

Taking a direct jab at RSP lawmakers, Bajgain claimed that he alone had done more for public welfare than over 20 of them combined. “Let me say it clearly: I, a representative from an older party, have contributed more to public welfare than you 20 new friends,” he remarked.

Drawing a metaphor from the Mahabharata, Bajgain told RSP members, “Yes, there are Pandavas and Kauravas in this country, but Nepal is not Hastinapur,” indirectly questioning who they consider their supreme leader — a deity, a blind ruler, or someone else.

He strongly criticized the RSP’s campaign to gather signatures in support of Lamichhane, who is in judicial custody in connection with a cooperative fraud case. “Launching rallies and collecting signatures while the individual is still under remand violates legal norms and may amount to contempt of court,” he said.

Bajgain also questioned the RSP’s commitment to reform and accountability, pointing out that the party has not even appointed an acting president despite its chairperson being in custody. “A party that claims to stand for reform should not neglect such a basic principle of accountability,” he stated. “Retaining a president who is in jail for a criminal charge, not political reasons, sends a troubling message.”