KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Parliamentary Party Chief Whip Ain Mahar has accused the government of exhibiting authoritarian tendencies, saying it is acting as if it is above the constitution, laws, and established democratic norms.
Speaking during an interaction with journalists at the UML parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Thursday, Chief Whip Mahar said the government appears to be disregarding constitutional provisions and legal frameworks.
He also raised questions over the role of the Speaker, alleging that the parliamentary proceedings are being conducted in a manner that makes the legislature appear like a shadow of the executive.
Mahar claimed that the Prime Minister has been attempting to move forward by ignoring established practices and laws under the pretext of breaking continuity for change.
He further said that the opposition has raised concerns over both the government and the Speaker’s functioning and has protested in Parliament accordingly. However, he clarified that it is not the opposition’s intention to obstruct citizens’ voices through prolonged parliamentary disruptions.
“We are responsible opposition and committed to holding the government accountable. But we are also sensitive to the fact that prolonged obstruction in Parliament does not serve the country well,” he said.
Mahar also alleged that amendments made by the Finance Minister to a bill already registered in Parliament have raised suspicions of possible irregularities and manipulation.
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