Congress Leader Paudel Questions Government Morality and Accountability on IGP Issue

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradip Poudel has raised serious questions about the government's morality and accountability regarding the deletion of messages linked to the Prime Minister's advisors in the IGP case. Speaking at a press conference in Janakpur on Friday, Poudel mentioned the incident where the Prime Minister's advisor allegedly sent a mobile message to shift blame onto others after deleting a message that could implicate himself. Poudel questioned the presence of morality in the current government's operation, stating that if any Prime Minister's advisor had engaged in such activities in the past, they would have either resigned or been removed from office. Poudel demanded a clear explanation from the government regarding the decision taken in the IGP case and the related developments. He stated that the Prime Minister and his advisors cannot evade accountability for the questions raised against them simply because they are in government. Poudel emphasized that the government should not have the liberty to arrest, detain, or investigate anyone without due legal process. He clarified that Congress President and other party leaders are also ready for investigation in a lawful manner, provided that legal procedures and judicial dignity are followed. Poudel commented that the government should not assume that all its decisions must be accepted and no questions can be raised just because it has received a two-thirds majority mandate. He warned that the tendency to suppress citizens' right to question the government would weaken democracy. Poudel further added, 'Citizens have the full right to ask questions when seeking investigation reports, questioning appointments, or seeking answers about illegal detention. Such an irresponsible working style of the government weakens democracy.' Reminding the government that it has received great public trust and ample opportunity to work, Poudel advised against controlling other parties or seeking political revenge. Emphasizing the need for good governance, Poudel said, 'Instead of seeking revenge against other parties, the government should focus on establishing good governance, ending the role of middlemen, and bringing those involved in corruption to justice.' Clarifying the party's stance, Poudel further stated, 'Nepali Congress is ready to have its assets investigated. We are in favor of cooperating in taking action against those who commit illegal acts, but attempts to weaken the party or its leadership based on political prejudice will not be acceptable.' Emphasizing the mandatory adherence to the rule of law, Poudel said, 'The government must answer the questions raised against itself and its responsible officials. Anyone can be investigated, but legal procedures, judicial dignity, and the rule of law must be strictly followed.' Similarly, Poudel accused the government of trying to create the old style of political syndicate by interfering in the internal politics of other political parties. Poudel claimed that the government led by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is trying to interfere in leadership selection and factional politics within Congress itself. Poudel alleged that the government is not adhering to the basic norms of democratic governance and the rule of law. He accused the government, which came to power with a strong mandate after the elections, of attacking democratic values and principles instead of respecting the people's trust. Poudel mentioned that no individual or government can be above the law and that the republic was established precisely to establish the rule of law. Poudel commented that the government with a two-thirds majority support is behaving like leaders of old political parties. He claimed that the leadership, which should be focused on running its own party, is engaged in the game of deciding who should be the chairman of other parties, who to strengthen, and whose party to weaken. Poudel recalled that in the past, some political party leaders tried to rule through a coalition syndicate, which Congress broke, and stated that similar practices are being repeated now. He urged the RSP-led government to work according to its own mandate and warned against interfering in the internal affairs of other parties. Expressing dissatisfaction with the government's working style, Poudel said, 'The government has failed to show maturity in its working style. Despite having a strong mandate and two-thirds support, the government has tried to operate above democratic values, procedures, and the rule of law.' Poudel further added, 'There is a tendency to ignore the voice of the citizens, control the state system, and weaken those who hold different opinions. Interfering in the leadership of other parties, their internal politics, and even party divisions is contrary to democratic practice.' Mentioning that interference within Congress is about to be repeated, Poudel said, 'Democracy means the rule of law, accountability, and respect for different opinions. A government that has gained public trust should work for the people instead of engaging in factionalism and control politics within other parties.' He emphasized that the ability to face questions raised against oneself and correct mistakes is the true identity of democratic leadership, and stressed that the government must face the questions raised against it impartially.