Chief Whip Pandey accuses govt. of undermining parliament

KATHMANDU: Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hit Raj Pandey, has accused the government of disregarding the authority of the Federal Parliament.

Speaking during a session of the House of Representatives on the discussion of budget allocations, Pandey criticized the absence of concerned ministers, stating that their continued non-participation reflects the government’s lack of accountability toward Parliament.

He expressed strong dissatisfaction over frequent changes in the parliamentary agenda, alleging that items are included and then abruptly removed without justification.

“Despite ongoing protests in the House for a long time, the government remains indifferent,” he remarked.

Pandey questioned the double standards in enforcing parliamentary rules, saying, “Are lawmakers the only ones obliged to follow rules while the government gets a free pass?” He added, “The government has shown utter disrespect to this House—so much so that it defies explanation. The agenda is announced and then withdrawn repeatedly. When asked why, the answer is: the ministers are absent.”

He emphasized that today’s discussion should not proceed in the absence of ministers, terming it a direct violation of parliamentary procedures. “Even the Prime Minister is present, yet the ministers are not. This is not acceptable. Parliament itself must take up this issue.”

Pandey also complained that the government’s failure to present the budget book has hindered lawmakers from proposing spending cuts, further limiting meaningful deliberation.