Government becoming authoritarian: Mahat

Pokhara, June 9

Nepali Congress Co-general Secretary Prakash Sharan Mahat today accused the incumbent government of trying to impose authoritarianism by weakening the constitutional organs.

Speaking at a press meet organised by Press Union Kaski in Pokhara, NC leader Mahat charged that the government had tried to control constitutional bodies such as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority and the court to impose authoritarianism. “The anti-graft body CIAA has maintained silence though cases of graft worth billions of rupees have come out,” Mahat added.

He alleged the government was mired in corruption. “The government is shielding corrupt leaders and ministers. This shows that the government is institutionalising graft,” Mahat charged. He said the government had failed to meet people’s needs and expectations. “Prime Minister Oli’s tall talk has literally delivered nothing,” he noted.

Mahat also said lack of investment-friendly ambience had deterred both domestic and foreign investors. He slammed the government for trying to restrict the free press.

He pledged that the NC would prevent the government from passing the Media Council Bill tabled in the Parliament at any cost. He vowed his party would always fight for press freedom, human rights and democracy.