Opposition Maintains Protest Over Prime Minister’s Absence in Parliament

Vasna Thapa, Secretary of the Nepali Congress, expressed protest over the Prime Minister’s absence at the House of Representatives meeting. After Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle prepared to answer questions raised on the policy and program, opposition parties voiced their dissatisfaction. Vasna Thapa stated, “This is an insult to the Prime Minister himself, and we want the ruling party to respond,” warning that the protest will continue until the Prime Minister is present. 31 Baishakh, Kathmandu.

Vasna Thapa, Secretary of the Nepali Congress, voiced opposition regarding the Prime Minister’s absence during the House meeting. Although Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle was prepared to respond to questions about the policy and program, opposition parties expressed discontent. She said, “We remained silent throughout the day, fulfilling our responsibilities as the opposition. But when it comes time to respond to the policy and program discussion, where is the Prime Minister?” She added, “Isn’t this an insult to the Prime Minister himself? We want the ruling party to face the issue—no ifs, no buts, the Prime Minister must answer. Our protest will continue until the Prime Minister is present.”

Ayn Mahar, an MP from the Nepali Communist Party (UML), said the Prime Minister must attend at least to respond. Yubaraj Dulal from the same party complained that despite the opposition’s patience throughout the day to facilitate parliamentary proceedings, the ruling party ignored it. Aren Rai of the Labour Culture Party said that the Prime Minister must be present to address the complaints of ruling ministers and MPs. Meanwhile, Rastriya Prajatantra Party MP Gyan Bahadur Shahi confirmed that the Prime Minister was not present to deliver a speech but had come to respond to the policy and program.