KATHMANDU: CPN-UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ has strongly criticised the working style of the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, accusing it of moving away from democratic principles.
Speaking at Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Thapa claimed that the Shah-led government was operating on what he described as a “Pakistani model” and gradually moving towards a “North Korean model.”
Thapa also warned that Nepal should not be turned into a base for a “second Khampa rebellion” and accused the government of allowing Tibetan activities openly in Nepal.
“We will not allow Nepal to become a place for a second Khampa rebellion. We will not allow TOBs to be used for activities against neighbouring China,” he said, alleging that the government had permitted Tibetan groups to conduct activities and attempted to organise a Tibetan conference.
Thapa further alleged that the current government had been formed to oppose democracy.
He claimed the government’s main sources of support were the army, algorithms and the United States, arguing that Shah was becoming increasingly isolated as support from those three sides declined.
Thapa also criticised the government over rising inflation, unemployment and the worsening economic situation.
He claimed that businesses were facing increased government action, billions of rupees in investment were beginning to leave the country and the environment for bank lending and investment had deteriorated.
He also alleged that capital had remained idle due to what he called “state terror” and that the stock market had been badly affected.
According to Thapa, poor government management had also contributed to shortages of fuel and cooking gas.
He criticised the government over what he described as unequal treatment of ordinary citizens and wealthy consumers, alleging that poor people bringing small quantities of essential goods from across the border were being stopped while expensive liquor and iPhones were allowed through the airport.
Thapa claimed public dissatisfaction with the government was growing, saying people were demanding food and livelihoods while the government was responding with force.
He also accused the government of having no effective plan to address the country’s problems.
Thapa urged Prime Minister Shah to refocus on issues of national interest and people’s livelihoods and to become more accountable to democracy and Parliament.
“The prime minister must govern not through numbers and state power, but according to laws and regulations,” Thapa said.
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