KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe has questioned the committee formed by the government to prepare a discussion paper on constitutional amendments, accusing it of handling the process in an immature manner.
Addressing Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Angdembe said the Constitution should be amended without undermining its fundamental spirit.
“We should make necessary amendments without altering the Constitution’s core values. But the government is treating the amendment process lightly by appointing as coordinator someone who lacks constitutional legal expertise and was not involved in drafting the Constitution. We consider this an immature approach,” he said.
He further alleged that the coordinator was appointed based on political proximity rather than constitutional contribution.
“Instead of appointing someone with no meaningful contribution to the Constitution other than being close to those in power, the committee should have been led by a sitting Chief Justice or another constitutionally credible figure. The Nepali Congress has a differing view on this issue, and we will continue to hold that position,” Angdembe added.
The opposition leader also criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) for being absent from the parliamentary session while he was addressing the House.
“In democratic countries around the world, when the leader of the opposition speaks in Parliament, the Prime Minister is present, seated on the front bench, listening with dignity and respect,” Angdembe said.
He argued that the opposition leader’s remarks serve as guidance for the government, making the Prime Minister’s presence important during such deliberations.
Angdembe said he had expected the Prime Minister to be absent but stressed that it remained his responsibility to remind the government that the Prime Minister should attend parliamentary proceedings.
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