May 21, Kathmandu – Bhishmaraj Angdembe, leader of the parliamentary faction of the main opposition Nepali Congress, has expressed dissatisfaction with the working style of Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal. He criticized Speaker Aryal’s role, stating that neutrality, impartiality, and the fundamental principles of parliamentary decorum have been compromised during the conduct of parliamentary sessions.
“Parliament belongs to the opposition. The Speaker is a constitutional authority responsible for managing the parliament,” Angdembe stated during a program held Thursday in his home district, Panchthar. “However, the statements made by the Speaker when the opposition puts forward its views have been perceived as neither parliamentary nor appropriate. These remarks have also failed to sound impartial.” He further commented that the Speaker’s failure to relay opposition issues to the government has increased dissatisfaction within the house.
“Currently, the Speaker has been unable to convey matters raised in parliament to the government, which has led to growing discontent among opposition parties,” he said. Angdembe also objected to Speaker Aryal’s warning to maintain parliamentary decorum when the Labor Culture Party protested by displaying pamphlets inside the parliament. “Expressing dissent via placards should not be labeled as improper or petty,” he remarked.
Recalling the Speaker’s past actions while he was an opposition lawmaker, Angdembe noted that Aryal once joined protests wearing a blue scarf and read books inside the parliamentary lobby, actions which were then not considered disruptive. “Why is it deemed improper when the opposition now expresses dissatisfaction through placards, whereas similar activities were deemed appropriate at that time?” he questioned.
