KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) lawmaker Barshaman Pun has criticized the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), saying its recent position on federalism is opportunistic and disconnected from the mandate it received from voters.
Speaking to journalists outside the Federal Parliament building on Sunday, former minister Pun said the party’s latest political stance amounted to disrespecting public opinion.
Recalling that the RSP had campaigned during elections and in different provinces on a promise to strengthen federalism, Pun said the party’s recent proposal through its general convention process to abolish the provincial structure contradicts those commitments and represents a betrayal of public trust.
He also claimed the RSP was showing ideological inconsistency, arguing that while the party chair’s proposal reflected commitment to the constitution and federalism, the vice-chair’s proposal calling for the dissolution of provincial assemblies suggested internal divisions or political immaturity.
Pun warned against “playing with fire” on issues related to federalism and democracy, stating that both had been established through the sacrifices of thousands.
He further alleged that although the RSP had attempted to introduce a new political culture, some of its recent statements and actions reflected political immaturity and populist tendencies.
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