HEADLINE NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

WINTER SESSION BEGINS
Speaker asks parties to be accountable

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, Feb. 8: The 19th session of the Parliament summoned by His Majesty the King, began at the Parliament Building, in Singha Durbar this afternoon.

Addressing the opening of the winter session of the Parliament, Speaker of the House of Representatives Taranath Ranabhat expressed belief that the deliberations and mutual understanding among political parties would help consolidate democracy and accelerate the process of national development. Having examined the outcome of the past 18 sessions after the restoration of democracy in 1990, Speaker Ranabhat noted that this session would be more productive and result-oriented and urged all the lawmakers to be united for the national interest.

Conflict of ideologies in democratic system is a normal phenomenon, but intra-party conflict and anomalies seem to have generated disinterest towards democracy among the people, Speaker Ranabhat added.

He further said that mutual understanding among the ruling and opposition parties were essential to seek solutions in a democratic society. It is high time that the parliament be serious for the national interest.

Referring to the recent event that took place near Surkhet in which the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court was attacked by Maoist insurgents, Speaker Ranabhat pointed out the need for unity among the democratic forces to fight undemocratic elements which are trying to debilitate rule of law in the country. He also appealed the Maoists to abandon the act of violence and come within the arena of Constitution.

Speaker Ranabhat further said that people’s expectations could be met only through concerted efforts of political parties. "The ongoing 19th session of the Parliament would help find solutions to all queries," he said pointing out the need for ruling and opposition parties to be more accountable and responsible.

"Speech and consolations alone cannot overcome the people’s disenchantment towards parliamentary system, political parties should win the confidence of people and rise above the party interests," he added. It would be our success if we could guarantee the people’s right thereby accelerating the process of national development.

Speaking at the session, leader of the main opposition party — the Communist Party of Nepal — Unified Marxist-Leninist Madhav Kumar Nepal accused the government of undermining the national interest and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister.

"The pace of national development is sliding down owing to the activities of the government," Nepal charged and said that corruption, politicisation and irregularities have weakened democracy and tarnished the image of the country.

Nepal further charged the government of triggering corruption and debilitating the state mechanism.

He said that undemocratic, irresponsible and unaccountable acts of the government have dragged the nation towards uncertainty. Pointing out the issues like Lauda Air deal, provision of Regional Commissioner and Armed Police Force through Ordinance, Nepal accused the government of jeopardising democratic norms and values. "Security system has collapsed, judiciary systems are not functioning properly and the administrative mechanism has weakened. That is why, Premier Koirala should step down as soon as possible."

Surya Bahadur Thapa, leader of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party charged the government of undermining the norms and values of democracy and demanded the resignation of the Prime Minister. He said that people have lost faith towards democratic institutions because of undemocratic acts of the government, hence it is very essential to consider the future of the nation.

Badri Prasad Mandal, leader of the Nepal Sadbhavana Party (NSP) urged all political parties to find solutions for strengthening democracy. He further said that the mere change in the leadership couldn’t be the solution.

Chitra Bahadur K.C., leader of the Rastriya Jana Morcha (National People’s Front), expressed concern over the deteriorating situation of the nation and asked for the resignation of the Prime Minister.

Speaking in a similar vein, leader of the United People’s Front Lila Mani Pokhrel and the leader of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Narayan Man Bijukchhe pointed out the need to rectify the worsening situation in the country and demanded the PM’s resignation.

The next meeting of the House of Representatives is to take place on February 12.

Other Stories