Opposition Mounts Against Controversial Remarks by RASWPA MP Bishwaraj Pokharel
April 25, Kathmandu – Controversy has erupted following the remarks made by Bishwaraj Pokharel, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWPA), who expressed anger over the absence of a school’s principal during a welcoming ceremony. Pokharel, elected from Okhaldhunga and a former AIG, allegedly berated the principal of a school in his home district for not attending the welcome.
Expressing his displeasure, Pokharel reportedly told the principal, “If I am coming, you should step aside. You are an employee; I am a retired distinguished employee.” Referring to himself as “Honourable,” he rebuked the principal, saying, “When an honourable member of the district comes, the headmaster shouldn’t remain silent?”
This behavior by MP Pokharel has drawn criticism from both within and outside his party. Former Education Minister Mahavir Pun demanded Pokharel’s dismissal for intimidating the principal over a failure to welcome him. Without naming Pokharel, Pun reminded that parliamentary members are servants of the people and stated, “I don’t know which party he belongs to, but if I were his leader, I would have immediately dismissed him and sent him home. An MP should serve the people who elected him and dedicate five years of time and intelligence to public service. There is no justification for causing humiliation or asserting hierarchy simply because someone didn’t receive a welcome on the road. He must apologize immediately or the public must call him back. The dignity of the MP’s position has been tarnished.”
Leaders and activists from RASWPA have also voiced their disapproval of Pokharel’s conduct. Central committee member and Morang-3 MP Ganesh Karki advised Pokharel to “stay grounded,” writing on social media, “The MP’s term also lasts at most five years. What kind of attitude are you developing? And haven’t you forgotten the thousands of greetings and requests for your votes you received barely two months ago? Let’s stay grounded.” Rajendra Dahal, editor of Teachers’ Monthly, condemned the public humiliation of the principal, questioning on social media, “Is it a story or a shame to call someone ‘Honourable’ who insults the principal and the position over the reason that people weren’t lined up at the school gate to welcome him?”
The dissatisfaction extends to RASWPA’s grassroots supporters. Social media has seen strong criticism aimed at Pokharel. Active since the party’s founding, leader Swastika Lamichhane expressed frustration at Pokharel’s attitude towards voters, urging him to learn how to speak properly. She wrote, “Honourable, you need to learn to speak. Why not start a class? We can teach you how to talk to the people. We have four years of experience.” Lamichhane emphasized, “A soldier may intimidate those ranked below him, but an MP should not intimidate his own voters. You probably do not realize how much effort went into making you ‘Honourable.’ Please respect the pain we have endured for four years. Now that you have the title, please stop making excuses. Who made you Honourable? The public, isn’t it? Those who elevate you can also bring you down; keep that in mind.”