Kathmandu, August 8:

The special session of Parliament today saw Members of Parliament expressing serious concern about a minister accusing two Members of Parliament of kidnapping Anandidevi Singh, the president of Nepal Sadbhawana Party (Anandidevi).

Minister for Industry and Supplies Rajendra Mahato had yesterday accused Hridayesh Tripathi and Bharat Bimal Yadav of kidnapping the NSP-A president and forcing her to seek his resignation.

The MPs demanded a “thorough investigation” into the matter.

NSP-A leader Mahato had levelled the accusation in a brief interview given to a private television channel.

“This is a matter of serious concern,” MP Yadav told the parliament and asked what is barring the government from arresting him and Tripathi.

Yadav also demanded that Mahato step down immediately for making such an “irresponsible remark.”

Member of Parliament Birodh Khatiwada termed Mahato’s accusation “objectionable” and demanded he clarify and apologise in parliament.

Member of Parliament Tripathi also termed the minister’s remark “irresponsible” and demanded Mahato’s dismissal from the cabinet.

MP Leela Mani Pokhrel said that Mahato should either say that he lied or should prove that Anandidevi had been kidnapped.

He also demanded that the government make its stance clear on what action it is taking against those indicted in the Rayamajhi report.

Anandidevi ‘safe’

KATHMANDU: Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula on Wednesday told the parliament that Anandidevi Singh was “safe” at her residence. “Such rumours will only create confusion,” he said. — HNS