KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has said it is inappropriate for the Speaker to defend the government against criticism raised by lawmakers in the House of Representatives.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Friday, Pokharel urged Speaker DP Aryal to maintain political neutrality and reminded him that elected lawmakers—not the Speaker—are the principal participants in parliamentary debate.
His remarks come amid growing criticism that the Speaker has increasingly intervened to counter opposition arguments and defend the government when lawmakers raise questions during House proceedings.
Pokharel also expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as the Speaker’s direct engagement in debates with opposition members.
According to him, parliamentary norms require the Speaker to perform a neutral and impartial role rather than becoming involved in political disputes on the floor of the House.
“It’s not appropriate for the Speaker himself to defend the government against questions raised in Parliament or engage in debates with the opposition,” Pokharel wrote. “The players in the parliamentary game are the lawmakers themselves.”
He further argued that questioning the government and engaging in parliamentary debate are responsibilities of elected representatives, while the Speaker is expected to act as an impartial referee and guardian of parliamentary procedure.
Pokharel’s comments add to the ongoing political debate over the conduct of parliamentary proceedings and the role of the Speaker in managing discussions between the government and opposition parties.
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