Questions to the Prime Minister from Bhismraj Andembya: Why Was Parliamentary Dignity Undermined Through Ordinances?
April 28, Kathmandu – Bhismraj Andembya, leader of the Congress parliamentary party, has strongly opposed the government’s move to suspend the parliamentary session and enact laws through ordinances. He accused the government, formed through democratic processes, of engaging in undemocratic practices. In a statement released on Tuesday, Andembya emphasized that democracy is not only a process but also a disposition, and described the promulgation of ordinances while parliament was in session as inappropriate.
He expressed deep concern and described as unfortunate the government’s submission of two ordinances to the President. According to him, ordinances are a constitutional mechanism intended only for situations when parliament is not functional and immediate action is necessary for the country. However, as there is no such emergency now and bills could be passed within the ongoing parliamentary session, the attempt to introduce ordinances is improper.
Andembya criticized the hurried decision without consulting the main opposition and other parties, calling it “politics of coercion.” Addressing the Prime Minister directly, he questioned why there appears to be distrust even within the ruling party’s own majority. He alleged that the dignity and essence of parliament have been undermined and affirmed his party’s clear opposition to these actions.
The statement highlighted that significant issues, such as the Constitutional Council Bill and amendments to the Cooperative Act, should be concluded through discussion and consensus in parliament. The Congress concluded that suspending the already convened parliamentary session and issuing ordinances is entirely inappropriate. Nonetheless, the party reaffirmed its readiness to offer constructive support to the government but expressed an unwavering commitment to oppose any steps contrary to democracy, public mandate, sovereign parliament, and the spirit of the constitution.