Parliament: RSP’s Response — Absence of the Prime Minister marks a break in continuity

Kathmandu: A heated debate took place in the House of Representatives between ruling and opposition lawmakers over the government’s presented policy and program. Opposition MPs described the program as traditional and vague, while ruling party MPs defended it.

During Thursday’s session of the House of Representatives, Arjun Narsingh K.C. advised the government not to deviate from democratic values and norms. He stated that although the policy and program contained some positive aspects, most of it repeated old themes and had not risen above conventional thinking. He also suggested that the government should remember that a parliamentary majority is not the ultimate truth.

Similarly, Padma Aryal commented that the government’s policy and program lacked clarity and direction. She said that since it is a guiding document for the nation, commenting on it is a responsibility rather than opposition. She also stated that removing the concept of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” from the program was inappropriate.

Yubaraj Dulal said that the absence of the concept of a socialist-oriented economy in the policy and program indicates that the government’s agenda should not be directionless.

Ruling coalition party Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) MP Binod Kumar Acharya described the policy and program as positive, while stating that it should be made more effective and result-oriented. He added that the role of lawmakers in the policy-making process should be made more impactful.

During the discussion, MPs also emphasized that the government should prioritize constitutional implementation, strengthening federalism, and citizen-friendly governance.