KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Khushbu Oli has strongly criticized the government in the House of Representatives over the demolition drive against squatter settlements, accusing it of silence in the face of human suffering.
Speaking during Monday’s parliamentary session, MP Oli expressed anger over what she described as inhumane treatment of squatters and the government’s failure to respond to deaths linked to the eviction drive.
“When two squatters lost their lives, the government did not speak. It remained silent. It seems the government has no concern when the poor die,” she said.
Targeting the government led by Balen Shah, she questioned its silence over the issue, saying even ruling party lawmakers had earlier claimed that human life is more important than anything else.
“Why is the RSP-led government not speaking when squatters are dying?” she asked.
She also raised questions over bulldozer operations carried out even in areas where evacuation had already taken place. “How can bulldozers be used in places where people have already been evacuated? It is not possible to vacate homes in Kathmandu within 48 hours. This is an act of injustice without regard for human values and sensitivity,” she said.
MP Oli further accused the government of undermining Parliament. “This is not rule of law, this is rule by them. Parliament is being overshadowed. Parliament is not a puppet of the government,” she said.
She also questioned lawmakers who moved from the opposition to the ruling side, asking why they were unable to take a strong stand on key issues.
“Why are MPs who shifted from the opposition to the ruling side unable to take a stand?” she asked.
Her remarks come amid growing criticism from opposition parties over the squatters’ eviction drive, ordinances, and other government actions, which have dominated Monday’s parliamentary proceedings.
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