Conflict Erupts Among Rastriya Swatantra Party MPs in Federal Parliamentary Committee Over Police Uniform Corruption Allegations
Photo Source, Nepal Photo Library
A heated dispute broke out among members of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) during a session of the Federal Parliament’s so-called “Mini Parliament” committee.
The argument unfolded during the Public Accounts Committee meeting discussing allegations of corruption in the procurement of police uniforms, with members of Raswapa divided into two factions.
The meeting included participation from the Home Ministry Secretary, as well as chiefs of the Armed Police Force and the Nepal Police.
Although invited, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung was absent from the session.
The dispute began when one Raswapa MP emphasized the need to take the allegations seriously and argued that high-ranking officials named in the complaint must be removed from their positions pending investigation.
MP Khagendra Sunar called for the Home Secretary and police chiefs to be relieved of their duties due to the allegations.
“If there is any morality, you must resign immediately; because this is a rule-of-law state, you should be dismissed at once,” he said plainly. “The current Home Minister resigned after allegations surfaced. An investigative committee must be formed immediately and accused officials should be suspended during the inquiry.”
Sunar stated that the complaint detailed irregularities in the contractor selection process and provided thorough information based on careful study.
He raised a rhetorical question, “Vitamin is found in oranges and eggs, but what vitamin is found in shoes and socks?” He continued, “A rural boy serving as a policeman is deprived even of his shoes, socks, and uniform—such issues keep emerging. Now we need a committee for investigation.”
Sunar also urged the committee chairperson to issue a written request that the uniforms not be worn during the investigation.
Dissent from Two Former Police Officials
Photo Source, RSS
Meanwhile, two other Raswapa MPs expressed dissatisfaction with their party colleagues’ statements.
MP Bikram Thapa argued that the invited Home Secretary and police chiefs should be treated with dignity and respect in accordance with their positions.
On punishing corrupt individuals, he said, “It is inappropriate to treat any member as guilty solely based on complaints.”
“Calling you guilty now and demanding immediate resignation is wrong. We are all honorable personalities and must uphold dignity,” he added. “The law should punish only after proper investigation confirms guilt, without damaging anyone’s respect or reputation.”
Former police official Govinda Panthi also voiced objections to MP Sunar’s comments.
He deemed some issues raised in the complaints “unbelievable” and noted, “Complaints play a positive role in good governance. However, it is regrettable that the heads of security agencies are declared guilty prematurely during the initial stages.”
He emphasized that only after preliminary investigations should the accused individuals be called for questioning.
Comments from Other MPs
Raswapa MP Prem Lal Chaudhary has also demanded the formation of an investigative committee but insisted that the committee should not pass judgment on guilt.
He said, “One cannot directly accuse someone; we are not the body to prove guilt. When complaints surface, let us form a committee to uncover the truth and conclude the matter swiftly.”
Another Raswapa MP, Rukesh Ranjit, stated that their committee is not responsible for confirming allegations and that further investigation and deep analysis is required.
MP Ganesh Dhimal explained that the purpose of involving senior officials in the meeting was not to accuse them.
“The way things were handled in the past will no longer be acceptable. No corruption even of a single rupee is allowed. We must proceed after auditing thoroughly,” he said.
Raswapa MP Manish Jha expressed suspicion that alongside the legitimate goal of investigation, personal interests might be influencing the complaint.
He remarked, “It is our duty to check whether every rupee paid by citizens is properly utilized. Additional inquiry should be recommended to reach a conclusion.”
MP Khagendra Sunar’s Strong Reaction at the End
Photo Source, Khagendra Sunar/FB
After hearing responses from others, MP Khagendra Sunar asked for “one minute” and voiced his frustration.
“If one person speaks and all MPs repeatedly echo the same thing, the chair must enforce rules,” he said. “One MP should not speak as a spokesperson for the accused instead of representing fellow MPs.”
He expressed displeasure that the discussion on corruption allegations was turning against the victim. He said that when MPs speak for the victim, another MP behaved disrespectfully.
“Where we came from or who we were is an old matter,” he said. “Let’s move forward with careful attention to the topic at hand, not with sweet talk or fabricated fuss.”
Sunar called on the chairperson to organize the discussion properly, warning that otherwise he would be unable to remain present, and then exited the meeting.
Nepali Congress MP Barshaman Pun urged Sunar to remain at the meeting, cautioning that he may not leave while accusations are ongoing. “Honorable member, you must stay at the meeting; you cannot leave while accusations are being made,” he reminded.