KATHMANDU: Despite opposition from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives continued as scheduled.
RPP Chair Rajendra Lingden had earlier announced that his party would boycott the session if it moved forward without addressing their ongoing concerns. Nevertheless, Speaker Dev Raj Ghimire proceeded with the meeting, sparking further criticism from the opposition party.
“There are two political parties in Parliament that have expressed serious disagreement on important matters. Forcing the session ahead during such continued opposition is not appropriate from the perspective of parliamentary norms,” said Lingden during his allotted speaking time at the start of the meeting. “Even for the Speaker himself, this doesn’t reflect well. Parliament should not be pushed forward forcefully while critical issues remain unresolved. If this continues as a mere formality, RPP will not be part of it.”
Lingden further urged Speaker Ghimire to ensure that allowances meant for RPP lawmakers be deposited into the state treasury during the period of boycott.
“If we are boycotting the session, then the allowances meant for RPP lawmakers should be deposited into the national revenue,” Lingden said.
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