Rastriya Swatantra Party MP Jagdish Kharel Calls Opposition’s Protest a ‘Spectacle’

May 25, Kathmandu – During a meeting of the House of Representatives, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Jagdish Kharel described the opposition’s protest as a ‘spectacle.’ The meeting was briefly adjourned after Kharel accused opposition parties, who have been persistently protesting to demand the Prime Minister’s accountability and presence in parliament. Despite the protests, parliamentary proceedings continued.

Participating in the theoretical discussion on the Tourism Bill as per the agenda, MP Kharel, present at the rostrum, initially levied accusations against the opposition, which further angered MPs protesting against him on the floor. Congress MP Narendra Kumar Kerung responded to Kharel’s remarks and attempted to approach the rostrum before being physically restrained and led back by Congress Chief Whip Basanta Thapa. Earlier, the Speaker had repeatedly ruled that offensive language is not permitted in parliament.

Statements made by MPs ranging from RSP parliamentary party deputy leader Ganesh Parajuli to CPN-UML parliamentary leader Ram Bahadur Thapa have been removed from the parliamentary records. Kharel stated, “Today, I deeply understood why the government had to introduce eight ordinances.” He added, “The ongoing spectacle in parliament clearly shows how we have failed to enact necessary laws since the constitution was promulgated in 2015, despite continuous parliamentary sessions over the past years.” Pointing fingers at the opposition, he called their protest a spectacle.

Kharel further remarked, “The parliamentary spectacle we are witnessing is not always productive.” He emphasized that opposition lawmakers also bear responsibility when it comes to lawmaking on behalf of the people. “Can the lawmaking process be obstructed simply because the Prime Minister is present or absent?” he questioned. Following his provocative statement, opposition MPs grew more agitated. Consequently, Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota declared a 15-minute suspension of the House meeting.