KATHMANDU, MARCH 14

Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has demanded disciplinary action against Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, for his recent remarks that allegedly contradict the party's principles and Nepal's democratic values.

In a formal request to the Nepali Congress Central Disciplinary Committee, Bajgain, who represents Gorkha Constituency No. 1 in the House of Representatives, accused Minister Pandey of making irresponsible statements that undermine the party's commitment to multi-party democracy and align with authoritarian ideology.

According to Bajgain, Minister Pandey recently made a controversial statement at the Pashupatinath temple premises and, during a public event, suggested that the moral values of China's one-party rule under President Xi Jinping and implied that these values should be presented to Nepal's democratic leaders and citizens.

Bajgain stated in his complaint that such a remark from a minister and senior leader of the Nepali Congress- a party that has long defended democracy, pluralism, and republicanism-contradicts the party's fundamental principles as well as Nepal's constitutional values.

The NC lawmaker further emphasized that the party's charter is based on the ideals of socialism-oriented multi-party democracy, making any form of support for a one-party system a direct violation of party regulations. 'A senior leader and minister publicly glorifying a communist one-party rule constitutes a serious breach of the party's regulations,' Bajgain stated.

Bajgain condemned Pandey's remarks as disrespectful to democracy and an attempt to push Nepal's political system toward China's one-party rule model. Given that the statement comes from the party's Joint General Secretary, Bajgain warned that it could significantly impact the party's ideological direction.

In light of these concerns, Bajgain has urged the NC Central Disciplinary Committee to investigation the matter and take prompt disciplinary action against Minister Pandey. He also suggested that, if necessary, a detailed discussion be held before making a decision in accordance with party regulations.

In a further statement, Bajgain accused Minister Pandey of abusing his position to orchestrate a targeted social media campaign against him, aiming to manipulate public perception and undermine his credibility.

He also claimed that Pandey has systematically used media outlets to portray himself as an upright figure while making decisions that directly harm Nepal's national interests. According to Bajgain, these include dismantling a Nepali-owned company, arbitrarily distributing casino licenses in violation of legal procedures, and attempting to defy a court verdict-an act that constitutes contempt of court and undermines the rule of law.

Bajgain further alleged that beyond media propaganda, Pandey is actively maneuvering behind the scenes to influence party leadership and weaponize the disciplinary committee against him in an effort to silence dissent and consolidate power.