KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and Nepali Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has urged Prime Minister Balen Shah to appear before Parliament and respond to questions regarding the country’s current political situation.
Addressing Thursday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Prachanda said the Prime Minister should respect Parliament and uphold democratic traditions. He also called on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to take the necessary initiative to ensure the Prime Minister addresses the House.
“The Prime Minister must come to Parliament and provide clarification. The Speaker should also take the initiative. The Prime Minister cannot undermine the democratic process,” Prachanda said. “Appearing before Parliament would enhance the Prime Minister’s stature. Whether Nepal succeeds or fails as a nation now rests largely on his shoulders.”
Prachanda also welcomed the initiative taken by Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane to promote political dialogue, saying the country’s problems could only be resolved through cooperation among political parties.
Addressing Prime Minister Shah, he urged him to engage with experienced political leaders, intellectuals and individuals shaped by various democratic movements, saying the lessons of previous governments could benefit the current administration.
“There are leaders in Nepal who have witnessed many crises and fought for good governance and social justice. What prevented you from consulting them? You could even have invited me for discussions,” he said. “Distancing yourself from dialogue, disrespecting the opposition and ignoring a section of the public will only deepen the country’s problems.”
Prachanda said Nepal was facing a series of challenges and argued that this was not the time for political arrogance.
“We should never become arrogant because of a parliamentary majority. Numbers are temporary; what matters is our responsibility to the nation, our commitment to democracy and our ability to protect the achievements we have made. The Prime Minister will gain nothing through pride and arrogance. The public is both frustrated and hopeful, and it is our responsibility to inspire them,” he said.
During his address, Prachanda also referred to historical examples, including Adolf Hitler’s suicide after the Second World War, saying debates continue in Europe over the decisions leaders make in times of extreme crisis and responsibility.
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