Holding House hostage

What people want to see are healthy debates on public issues and law-making on that basis.

Nepal’s federal parliament has been paralysed for nearly two weeks since May 27—except on May 29, the day of the budget’s unveiling—as opposition parties obstructed the House of Representatives. They have been demanding a probe panel to investigate allegations over a ‘visit visa scam’ involving Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, with some also calling for his resignation. When such allegations surface, the opposition has the right to raise genuine questions and demand an impartial probe; however, obstructing the Parliament and resisting its function undermines the democratic process itself. As parliamentary meetings are stalled, the much-needed discussion on the budget has yet to start as well.