Harka slams budget, says it ignores real problems

KATHMANDU: Opposition leader and Chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Harka Raj Rai, has criticized the government’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, arguing that it fails to address the country’s fundamental challenges.

Speaking during discussions on the budget in Parliament, Rai expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s priorities, claiming that the financial plan is not focused on solving the nation’s pressing problems.

Using a metaphor to illustrate his point, Rai compared Nepal’s problems to a wound on the foot. He said the budget appears more concerned with “buying new shoes” than “healing the wound,” suggesting that the government has focused on superficial measures rather than tackling the root causes of the country’s difficulties.

Rai also voiced concern over fuel prices, stating that petroleum products remain among the most expensive in the world for Nepali consumers. He criticized the budget for failing to include measures aimed at reducing fuel costs.

The opposition leader further objected to the government’s plan to construct housing and hand it over to citizens. He argued that the state should not act as a commercial developer, but rather concentrate on providing essential public services and creating an enabling environment for citizens.

According to Rai, the budget should have prioritized practical solutions to the economic hardships faced by the public instead of introducing programs that, in his view, do not address the country’s core issues.