Controversial Debate Erupts Between Rastriya Swatantra Party and UML in Parliament

After reviewing the news summary, it has been reported that a dispute arose in the House of Representatives between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RaswaPa) and CPN-UML lawmakers regarding statements made by Badal on the use of technology and the silence of the Nepali Army. RaswaPa MP Manish Khanal requested Speaker Aryal to remove Badal’s remarks from the parliamentary records. The Speaker instructed the parliamentary secretariat to expunge the statements in accordance with Clause ‘घ’ of Rule 21 of the Rules of Procedure. The incident took place on 30th Baishakh in Kathmandu.

A confrontation unfolded between members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the CPN-UML in the House of Representatives. During the question-and-answer session, MPs from both parties debated over statements directed at each other. On Tuesday, during the House meeting, UML parliamentary party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal accused RaswaPa of using technology to win elections. He employed phrases such as “a mob of anarchists” and criticized the Nepali Army for remaining silent during the nation’s crisis. RaswaPa MPs objected to these remarks on the same day. On Wednesday, RaswaPa MP Manish Khanal also drew the Speaker’s attention to the issue.

Khanal argued that retaining Badal’s statements in the parliamentary records could set a negative precedent and demanded their removal. As Khanal spoke, UML chief whip Ain Mahar rose to respond. When the Speaker inquired under which rule of the procedural regulations the dispute fell, Mahar requested time to revert with an answer. The Speaker, however, did not grant the extension. Instead, the Speaker directed the parliamentary secretariat to remove Badal’s statements from the records in line with Khanal’s request. Speaker Aryal ruled that Badal’s remarks violated Clause ‘घ’ of Rule 21 of the House Rules of Procedure.

Rule 21 of the House of Representatives’ Rules of Procedure specifies regulations that members must abide by during discussions, including speaking only with the Speaker’s permission. Criticism of the Speaker’s conduct outside of debate motions is prohibited. Article 105 of the Constitution mandates cessation of debate on controversial topics and prohibits the use of rude, obscene, defamatory, or objectionable language that violates public decorum and morality. It further forbids discriminatory comments based on caste, religion, language, or gender. The Rules of Procedure also prohibit misuse of speaking rights that disrupt the House’s functioning. Against this backdrop, Badal’s remarks were deemed inappropriate and raised questions, triggering a direct clash between MPs of both parties. Consequently, the Speaker issued a ruling to remove words violating public decorum from the record as stipulated by the procedural rules.