KATHMANDU, JANUARY 27
Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain has strongly opposed the Nepali Congress leadership's attempt to prevent its lawmakers from speaking or writing against party ministers.
Talking to THT, Bajgain said members of Parliament are sovereign representatives of the people, not subordinates of the party.
Lawmaker Bajgain who is known as a bold and outspoken leader Bajgain questioned why the party, which was founded on democracy, debate, and criticism, is now suppressing these very values.
Bajgain emphasized the urgent need for reforms within the NC calling on the party members to uphold democratic values, transparency, and internal debate to keep the party's foundational principles alive.
He criticized the notion that internal grievances should only be addressed within party forums, stating that such a system is common in communist parties but has no place in a democratic party like the Nepali Congress.
Raising the question of ethics, Bajgain cited the example of the UK, where former Prime Minister David Cameron dismissed his health minister for attending a dinner sponsored by a healthcare supplier. Cameron removed several ministers to uphold ethical governance-something Nepali leaders must learn, he emphasized.
Bajgain reiterated that various corruption allegations and controversies have credible sources. However, he emphasized that it is not the party's job to investigate these matters-such responsibilities belong to designated state bodies.
He questioned whether the NC was adopting an authoritarian approach similar to China by suppressing internal dissent. However, he expressed confidence that party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, known for his deep democratic values, would not let the party head in that direction. Bajgain raised concerns about whistleblower protection laws in Nepal, questioning whether the country has effective legal mechanisms to protect those who expose corruption. He argued that instead of suppressing whistleblowers, they should be encouraged.
Bajgain once again criticized Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey, accusing him of closing airports during the peak tourism season, damaging Nepal's tourism industry. He also accused Pandey of allowing Chinese airlines to fly ticketless passengers to Kathmandu under the Nanhai Agreement, which he called a serious crime' and attempting to facilitate a visit by the Panchen Lama to Nepal.
Bajgain challenged NC Chief Whip in the House of Representatives Shyam Kumar Ghimire for allegedly stating that Nepal does not need labor unions or socialism.
