KATHMANDU: Gagan Thapa has accused the government of disregarding legal procedures and prioritizing popularity over good governance.
Speaking at a review program on the government’s first 100 days held at the Nepali Congress central office in Sanepa on Sunday, Thapa alleged that the government led by Balen Shah had begun functioning in a manner similar to the former Nepal Communist Party government formed after the 2017 general elections.
Thapa claimed the government was attempting to bypass established procedures and legal provisions in the name of delivering quick results. He stressed that transparency, accountability, and strict adherence to the rule of law are essential for effective governance, adding that any move to weaken the legal system would be firmly opposed by the opposition.
He argued that the government’s first 100 days had created public suspicion rather than confidence, alleging that it was more concerned with how many “likes” it could generate in its favor than with initiatives that directly improve people’s lives.
Thapa also warned against pursuing constitutional amendments without adequate preparation, saying such an approach could push the country into further political instability. He urged the government to remain sensitive to issues of inclusion and language while undertaking constitutional reforms.
Referring to the demolition drive carried out by Kathmandu Metropolitan City in informal settlements, Thapa alleged that the government had ignored due legal process and humanitarian considerations.
He further claimed that the government had failed to create a secure environment for investment, from small businesses to large industries, and had paid insufficient attention to addressing the economic slowdown. On foreign policy, Thapa argued that the government was seeking short-term public applause instead of building national consensus on key diplomatic issues.
Comment