KATHMANDU: Speaker of the House of Representatives Devraj Ghimire has stated that Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers wearing blue scarves in Parliament should exercise self-regulation and adhere to parliamentary decorum.
His remarks came after the ruling Nepali Congress demanded that the RSP lawmakers be expelled from the House for allegedly breaching dress code norms.
RSP lawmakers have been wearing blue scarves in protest, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over the controversial visit visa scandal.
During Tuesday’s House session, Speaker Ghimire acknowledged the growing concern among lawmakers and said, “I am seriously aware of the matter. It is the duty of lawmakers and political parties to act within parliamentary norms. I support the principle of self-regulation in such matters.”
The issue was raised prominently by Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire, who cited Parliamentary Rule 30 regarding the regulation of disorderly behavior and Rule 31 concerning expulsion from the chamber.
Pointing toward the RSP lawmakers, he questioned, “Is it dignified to come to Parliament wearing a blue scarf? If tomorrow someone shows up in half pants or random attire, will that be acceptable within the dignity of the House?”
Several other lawmakers also expressed concern over what they termed as increasing disorderly behavior in Parliament and urged the Speaker to intervene.
Comment