Karnali Provincial Assembly Sessions Repeatedly Disrupted Amid ‘Down with Tyranny!’ Slogans
June 30, Surkhet — The Karnali Provincial Assembly, scheduled to discuss the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, was repeatedly disrupted on Thursday afternoon by unexpected shouts of “Down with tyranny!” This disruption was attributed to dissatisfaction with the working style of Speaker Nanda Gurung. Opposition parties have continually interrupted sessions to express their displeasure with the budget presented by the provincial government on June 15. So far, these parties have disrupted the assembly three times.
Among the grievances raised by opposition parties are the non-submission of the “Red Book” in the assembly, removal of the popular “Bank Account Daughter” program, a minister presenting plans inconsistent with procedural guidelines on the division of responsibilities, and budget allocations for establishments, memorial halls, and even a statue named after leaders. They have demanded corrections on these issues, leading to ongoing disruptions. Currently, a coalition government led by the Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) holds power in Karnali Province.
The parties raising disruptions include the main opposition Communist Party of Nepal, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and a faction led by former Chief Minister Rajkumar Sharma. A session was called for 3 PM Thursday afternoon amidst these tensions. Although it started late, after the national anthem concluded, RPP lawmaker Santoshi Shahi requested time to address issues. After receiving permission from the Speaker, she asserted that if the government’s demands were not addressed, the assembly could not function. Opposition lawmakers immediately voiced their dissent.
Speaker Gurung requested the opposition to cooperate by remaining seated to allow proceedings to continue. When opposition protests persisted, she urged them to raise their concerns and sit down as well, stating, “Today’s proceedings will continue.” She then attempted to move forward, granting Finance Minister Rajiv Vikram Shah time to present the Karnali Provincial Economic Bill 2083. However, opposition members refused to allow Minister Shah to approach the rostrum, resulting in some scuffling.
The government was striving to pass the budget as opposition lawmakers protested with shouts of “Down with tyrannical rule!” Facing intensified opposition, Speaker Gurung adjourned the session for thirty minutes. However, the meeting could not be resumed. On Friday afternoon, the Provincial Assembly Secretariat announced the postponement of the session and posted a schedule until 1 PM.