Congress Leader KC Criticizes Arbitrary Tax Rate Changes: ‘Clear Sign of Autocratic Behavior’

Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narasingh KC has expressed his objection to the government’s arbitrary alterations of tax rates in the economic bill. He stated that changing tax rates under the guise of ‘error correction’ after the bill has been presented in parliament is a blatant violation of parliamentary decorum and rules. He emphasized that it would be more appropriate for the government to formally acknowledge the mistake and submit the bill with proper amendments to the parliament. Kathmandu, 24 Jestha.

KC strongly criticized the government for making unauthorized modifications to the tax rates in the economic bill already passed by parliament. He pointed out that the finance minister’s unilateral change of tax rates through a letter, citing ‘error correction,’ undermines the legislature and poses the risk of the executive branch acting arbitrarily. On the social media platform X, he wrote, “This is a clear violation of parliamentary rules, decorum, and international practice. It is a naked interference with the sovereign privileges of parliament.”

KC further argued that if the government is allowed to break rules and act arbitrarily on sensitive matters like the budget, then what is the purpose of parliament? He added, “This is a clear indication of autocratic tendencies. It undermines the core values of parliamentary democracy.” He warned that the country is evidently heading towards an elected authoritarian regime and demanded an immediate halt to this process.