Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane has urged the Nepali Congress to fulfill a responsible opposition role
Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ravi Lamichhane has urged the Nepali Congress, the main opposition party, to act responsibly and play a constructive role as the opposition. His remarks came after Speaker Devraj Ghimire held discussions with top leaders of the Nepali Congress on Tuesday.
Lamichhane admitted that there are numerous irregularities in the nation and emphasized the need for all factions to unite in resolving these concerns. He highlighted the government's commitment to resolving the challenges affecting cooperatives in Nepal.
Addressing the cooperative crisis, the Home Minister stated that the government has decided to expedite the process of returning funds to depositors by confiscating the assets of absconding, guilty, and uncooperative directors. This decision was taken in a Cabinet meeting, and Lamichhane said he is prepared to present it in the next Parliament session.
Regarding calls for a parliamentary committee to investigate him over alleged misappropriation of cooperative funds, Lamichhane firmly stated that there is no clear basis for forming such a committee. He claimed that there are no registered cases or prosecutions against him related to the misuse of cooperative funds.
"We are always ready if there is no registration and if someone files a complaint, we will form a parliamentary committee, and everyone resigns," Lamichhane said. "But you have to be prepared first. When I ask the Attorney General's Office what is officially on me, nothing remains. I did not find that there was a case or a prosecution. There should be a clear basis for forming the committee."
The Home Minister questioned the rationale behind forming a committee to investigate him when there are no pending charges or complaints, while individuals proven guilty by respected courts are allowed to participate in parliamentary proceedings. He urged the opposition to act responsibly and not create unnecessary chaos in Parliament.
Lamichhane reiterated the government's commitment to solving the cooperative crisis, emphasizing that the Cabinet has already decided to take a fast-track approach to return depositors' money, even if it requires confiscating the assets of absconding, guilty, and uncooperative directors.
"The cabinet has already decided to go on the fast track to return the money of the moneylenders, even if the properties of the absconding, guilty, and non-contact directors are confiscated," he said. "I am preparing to take it to the House."
Lamichhane also mentioned that causing a disturbance in Parliament is unnecessary now that the complaint against him has been retracted. The Home Minister's comments underscore the continuing tensions between the government and the opposition on different matters, such as the cooperative crisis and demands for transparency. It is yet to be observed how the Nepali Congress and other opposition factions will react to Lamichhane's appeal for accountable behavior in their capacity as the opposition.
