KATHMANDU: Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ leader of the main opposition party and Maoist Center Chairman, has launched a critique of the government, raising several issues.
In his address as leader of the opposition on Thursday in the House of Representatives, he accused the government led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli of being autocratic.
He specifically targeted the government’s approach to the social media bill, calling it a manifestation of authoritarian thinking.
Dahal referenced the incident involving Ashika Tamang, a self-identified social activist, who was handcuffed and paraded through Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.
He also condemned the government’s treatment of locals in Pathibhara, alleging that they had been oppressed, including being shot at, in the process of constructing a cable car there.
Dahal further remarked, “When the current government coalition was being formed, I raised concerns from this very platform about whether the first and second parties were heading towards regression and autocracy. Today, those concerns have been proven true. Political vendettas and the misuse of state power are becoming commonplace.”
He expressed alarm over what he perceives as an attack on freedom of expression, stating, “An attempt is being made to control and limit free speech. In cases that could be resolved through understanding and dialogue, citizens are being handcuffed and rushed from one district to another.”
Referring to the Ashika case, he asked, “Are these strong cases being filed out of government arrogance or because they fear the people?”
Dahal also raised objections to the shooting of individuals during the Pathibhara cable car dispute.
Acknowledging the sensitivity of both the Pathibhara and Mukkumlung disputes, he questioned why the government chose repression over dialogue and understanding in resolving the issues.
He further criticized the government’s authoritarian approach, saying it was undemocratic to arrest and prosecute citizens for simply wearing a T-shirt with someone’s photo or for questioning public services.
He condemned the social media regulation bill, which he believes is an attempt to control freedom of expression and the press through legal means.
“What is this?” he questioned. “Are you above citizen sovereignty? Are you above the Constitution? Are you the masters while the citizens are the slaves?”
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