KATHMANDU, Dec 30: Lawmaker of the main opposition Nepali Congress Badri Prasad Pandey urged the government to check the attacks over the persons with different opinions and ideologies abusing power and post, and bring those involved to book in such activities.

Speaking at the ‘Special Hour’ in Monday’s meeting of the upper house National Assembly, Pandey reminded the government of late BP Koirala’s statement that the educational institution is not the place for flexing muscle, rather opinion and principles should be discussed upon, and insisted that the very statement is still relevant. “However, in the recent days, students affiliated to the ruling NCP have been attacking those associated with the opposition only because of different ideology,” said he adding, “We have several instances including brutal attack over the campus chief of Tri-Chandra College, assault upon president of Nepal Student Union (NSU) Nepal Commerce Campus and charge upon NSU Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus vice-president.”

According to him, these activities under the political protection of the ruling party would ultimately promote impunity and anarchism in the country.

“These activities are sure to weaken democracy and rule of law, and the government must not make any excuse in checking them,” retreated Pandey.

Lawmaker of the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Balram Prasad Baskota, however, defended the ruling party claiming that the government has achieved remarkable success in the implementation of the constitution despite numerous challenges and the adverse situations prevailing in the country.

Speaking further, he drew the attention of the government to address the issues raised by sugarcane farmers and control the increasing price hike.

Another MP Komal Oli also demanded the government to make necessary arrangements for immediate payments to the agitating sugarcane farmers. Lawmaker Brishesh Chandra Lal raising the issue of sugarcane farmers urged the government to be sincere towards the concerns of the farmers as agriculture is one of the prime contributors to the gross domestic product.

Addressing the session, MP Pramila Kumari criticized the government over its decision on the extension of lease agreement of the land of Nepal Trust to Yeti Holdings.

Another lawmaker Kali Bahadur Malla raised the issue of lack of government employees at the local levels. “Although we are a federal country, due to the crunch of human resources in bureaucracy, public service delivery doesn’t look like that we are now enjoying federalism in practice. Isn’t it an irony to our constitutional commitment?”wondered Malla.

Similarly, Dil Kumari Rawal demanded a probe into the recent deaths of rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park, and Ram Prit Paswan expressed concerns over the government’s indifference to the constitution amendment.

Kamala Oli, another lawmaker addressing the session, urged the government to expedite the works of mega development projects including Postal Highway, Mid-hill Highway, Madan Bhandari Highway, and Seti Highway as they are expected to contribute for the economic development of the country.

Raising the burning issue of USD 500 million MCC grants proposed by the United States, MP Bimala Rai Poudel advised the government to make necessary revisions and accept the assistance.  

 
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