Which Words Spoken by Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal Were Removed from Parliamentary Records?
Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has directed the removal of certain unparliamentary words used by Nepali Congress UML parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal from the official parliamentary records. The Speaker confirmed that phrases such as “a mob of anarchists,” “those who wrap themselves in the national flag to burn the country,” and “Nepali army as mere spectators” have been expunged from the records. According to Rule 21 of the House of Representatives bylaws, members must not use offensive, insulting, or unparliamentary language and require permission from the Speaker before speaking.
April 13, Kathmandu.
Three specific words or phrases used by UML parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal were removed from the parliamentary records after he was found to have used unparliamentary language during his speech. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal informed that the Secretariat was instructed to remove these words in violation of Rule 21, clause (घ) of the House of Representatives bylaws. However, when asked which exact words had been removed, UML Chief Whip Ain Mahar requested clarification.
“Rule 21, clause (घ) of the House of Representatives bylaws clearly defines unparliamentary and offensive words. I understand that these words spoken by our leader have been ordered removed from the records. I would like to know which specific words are considered offensive,” Mahar stated. Later, Speaker Aryal confirmed the removal of the words “a mob of anarchists,” “those who wrap themselves in the national flag to burn the country,” and “Nepali army as mere spectators” from the official records.
“I have directed the Secretariat to remove from the records all instances of the phrases ‘a mob of anarchists,’ ‘those who wrap themselves in the national flag to burn the country,’ and ‘Nepali army as mere spectators,’” Speaker Aryal said.
What did Badal say? On Tuesday, while participating in a discussion on the government’s policies and programs, Badal questioned the presence of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RASWAPA), scenes during the people’s war movement, and the role of the Nepali military. “At a time when the country is turning to ashes and when the main headquarters of our own Commander-in-Chief was attacked, why did the Nepali army mysteriously remain a silent observer despite being the national protector?” he asked.
He further questioned, “Even while encroachment is happening in Lipulekh, why is the Nepali army unaware and parading in the Sukumbasi settlement?” Criticizing the unilateral plan of governance which includes RASWAPA, Thapa said, “Why does this policy program remain silent on patriots who wrap themselves in the national flag and burn the country? Why does this policy program remain quiet on the unruly activities of armed T.O.B units mocking non-aligned policies?” Calling RASWAPA “a mob of anarchists,” Thapa’s strong expressions were objected to by RASWAPA members, who demanded these words be removed from the records. During Wednesday’s House of Representatives session, the ruling RASWAPA MPs reiterated the demand to delete Thapa’s statements from the official records.
What does the House Rules say about members’ conduct? Rule 21 of the House of Representatives bylaws outlines the code of conduct for participation in debates. Members may speak only after attracting the Speaker’s attention and receiving permission to speak. Criticism of the Speaker’s conduct is prohibited except for statements that the Speaker is not acting in accordance with their position. Clause 105 of the Constitution, which bans certain debate topics, is incorporated in the bylaws. The use of offensive, obscene, derogatory, or objectionable words violating public decorum and morality is prohibited. Members must refrain from speech that demeans or affects any person, caste, religion, language, or gender. The bylaws also prohibit misuse of speaking rights in a manner that disrupts parliamentary business.