Parliament disrupted again as opposition protests FM’s remarks
The uproar was triggered by remarks made by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle during a previous session, which opposition parties described as threatening and an insult to Parliament.
KATHMANDU: The House of Representatives was once again disrupted on Friday after opposition lawmakers stood up in protest, forcing proceedings to be stalled for the second consecutive day.
The uproar was triggered by remarks made by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle during a previous session, which opposition parties described as threatening and an insult to Parliament.
Opposition lawmaker Barshaman Pun strongly objected to the minister’s comments, accusing him of intimidation and financial misconduct. He also demanded a parliamentary investigation.
Speaking in Parliament, Pun said the minister had undermined parliamentary committees and the legislature itself.
“There has been an attempt to intimidate and devalue Parliament and its committees. We strongly object to this. He has openly admitted to changing seven tax rates. This is an economic offence. He has also claimed ‘I did what I did’ while issuing threats. This is defamatory. The Speaker must issue a ruling and a parliamentary probe should be formed.”
The controversy stems from Finance Minister Wagle’s earlier response during the budget discussions, where he allegedly warned lawmakers by saying that he was “not unaware of their past scandals and that they could also be exposed.”
The opposition has insisted that the statement was inappropriate and damaging to parliamentary dignity, while calling for formal action from the Speaker.
