MP Harka Sampang’s Persistent Calls for Accountability in Parliament

May 20, Kathmandu – A recurring scene has been observed in recent sessions of the House of Representatives. Every time the meeting begins, lawmakers from the Labor Culture Party engage in protest through various means.

Sometimes they display placards and handouts, sometimes they read slogans written on those placards aloud. Occasionally, they raise questions to the government without seeking time from the Speaker.

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has repeatedly reminded MPs to maintain decorum in accordance with Rules 20 and 21 of the House rules. However, parliamentary party leader of Labor Culture Party, Harkraj Rai (Harka Sampang), disregards these warnings. Whether or not he is given the microphone, he proceeds to express his points.

On Wednesday, Minister for Information and Communications Vikram Timilsina responded to questions raised during urgent, zero, and special time periods in the House. Afterward, MP Sampang stood up and began asking questions without seeking permission from the Speaker. He highlighted issues related to weak internet access in mountainous and hilly regions.

The Speaker informed Sampang about the procedure requiring MPs to request speaking time during sessions and reminded him that the minister’s response does not allow for a clarification. However, Sampang ignored these instructions and proceeded to share his suggestions concerning the Ministry of Communications.

When Speaker Aryal attempted to stop him, he reiterated, “There are rules in the assembly. One may only speak after requesting time from the Speaker.” Sampang claimed he had sought time, but Aryal directed him to maintain the dignity of the House since he was speaking without permission.

Despite this, Harka Sampang continued his speech. The communications minister responded to Sampang’s question without a microphone, stating the government is actively working on improving 4G and 2G network services and anticipating significant progress within the next year.

Following the minister’s response, Sampang took his seat.

Even though there is no provision for further clarification after a minister’s answer, Sampang utilized the opportunity effectively.

After the Communications Minister, Youth Minister Ramji Yadav also responded to questions raised during urgent, zero, and special times. Subsequently, Labor Culture Party’s Arun Rai stood up to question the Speaker about the enforcement of House rules.

The Speaker clarified that there is no provision for clarifications and that MPs may only speak occasionally.

However, Harka Sampang countered, “This is unacceptable. We cannot accept answers to questions without proper response. Take whatever action you want, but such behavior should not occur.” The Speaker insisted the rules require MPs to request and receive time before speaking.

Speaker Aryal warned the MP three times for violating House rules. Nonetheless, Sampang and Arun Rai stressed the necessity of continuing to raise such questions.

The Speaker urged adherence to parliamentary procedures, decorum, and legal frameworks. He stated, “Opposition members have the right to ask questions, and I will grant them time,” yet they repeatedly speak without taking the allotted time.

Harka Sampang declared, “We are ready. For the people, for the sovereign Parliament, we are willing to face the risk of suspension.”

Balendra Shah (Balen), leader of the Parliamentary Party of the National Independent Party, has been Prime Minister for two months but has not yet addressed the Parliament. Due to this, he faces criticism for the government’s lack of accountability to the House, and questions have been raised on this matter.

The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) and Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal have been unable to bring the Prime Minister to Parliament for addressing the House, which the Labor Culture Party continuously questions.

The Labor Culture Party holds seven seats in the House of Representatives, whereas Raswapa holds two more seats, forming a two-thirds majority. Speaker Aryal is also from Raswapa.

On Monday, MPs from the Labor Culture Party entered the House carrying placards and handouts. They displayed placards in front of the Speaker before returning to their seats.

The placards bore messages such as “The Prime Minister must be accountable to Parliament—cannot evade questions!”, “Respect the public mandate. Stop passing ordinances bypassing Parliament! Fulfill parliamentary responsibilities!” and others.

The Speaker ordered the MPs to avoid such protest styles and demanded they express dissent while maintaining decorum. He also mentioned that this would be treated as an official directive going forward.

However, the Labor Culture Party has persistently continued its protests by regularly displaying placards and chanting slogans. On Wednesday, they arrived with handouts and, immediately after the Speaker declared the session open, they rose and protested.

When the Speaker inquired why they stood up, all seven MPs read aloud the slogans written on their handouts and then sat back down.

Their slogans include:

Ensure Parliamentary Supremacy,

Government Must Be Accountable to Parliament,

Enforce Rule of Law,

Opposition Voices Must Be Heard,

Include Us in Parliamentary Committees,

Increase Speaking Time,

Allow Squatters to Live with Dignity,

Let Us Laugh as Nepalese,

The Poor Must Not Be Killed,

No False Promises,

Stop Foreign Debt,

The Government Must Be Accountable,

Answer or Resign,

Ensure Parliamentary Supremacy,

Ready for Suspension.

Repeated displays of placards, shouting slogans, and speaking without permission have left the Speaker frustrated. Despite multiple orders, directions, and rulings, the Speaker’s authority has not been effectively enforced.

Speaker Aryal has issued warnings to Labor Culture Party MPs under Rule 30 of the House Rules to correct their conduct.

Sampang responded, “We have not engaged in vandalism or arson. We are simply raising the people’s questions and will continue to do so. We will keep displaying placards and protesting until our demands are met.”

Following the meeting, Sampang said they are seeking answers from the Prime Minister, especially regarding the management of squatters and domestic issues. Since the Home Ministry is directly handled by the Prime Minister, they insist he must provide answers.

They also have questions regarding foreign loans, the Lipulekh border dispute, and other matters. Their central objective is to ensure the government is accountable to Parliament.

When asked about the threat of suspension, Sampang stated, “That’s fine, we are ready. For the people and for the sovereign Parliament, we are prepared to be suspended.”