NC calls for DPM and Home Minister Lamichhane’s resignation

The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has demanded that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane, resign from his post.

Speaking during the Urgent Time session of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, Nepali Congress lawmaker Deepak Giri called for an impartial investigation into a complaint against 18 individuals, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair and DPM/Home Minister Lamichhane, and CPN (Maoist Centre)’s student leader, Deepesh Pun. The complaint was lodged by victims from the Pokhara-based Surya Darshan Cooperatives on February 5, 2024, at the District Police Office Kaski.

Giri argued that Nepali Congress had demanded the Home Minister’s resignation, as his continued tenure is perceived to compromise the impartiality of the investigation. He highlighted that although the existing Cooperatives Act permits loans only to cooperative members, the Surya Darshan Cooperative was found to have issued loans to non-members, which is illegal.

He accused the government of ignoring the voices raised in and outside the parliament, insisting that usury and cooperative victims deserve justice. Giri also accused the PM of appointing ministers that reflect conflicts of interest.

Lawmaker Saraswoti Bajimaya, through the Speaker, called the government’s attention to the public affected by various natural and human-made disasters across the country. She demanded relief support for those affected by a recent fire incident at Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-8 of Khotang. She urged the government to take effective measures to control fires in Ward No 1 and 2 of the same municipality and in other areas of the district. She cited that 30 fire incidents have been reported in the district to date, resulting in property damage worth Rs 12 million and 90 thousand.

Lawmaker Devendra Poudel highlighted the increasing number of road accidents annually in the country, leading to thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of injuries.

He presented statistics indicating that in the last five years alone, over 14,000 people lost their lives to road accidents. Poudel also urged the government to promptly initiate rescue and treatment for the 25 injured individuals in a bus accident that occurred at Nishikhola of Baglung on Monday, where nine people died.

Poudel called on relevant bodies to take effective steps to minimize road accidents.

Lawmakers Janardan Sharma and Chandra Bahadur Bishwokarma also addressed the government on the same issue.

Lawmaker Raghuji Panta expressed condolences over the passing of litterateur Parashu Pradhan, describing him as the writer who gave a “modern touch” to Nepali literature. He called on the State to protect and support litterateurs, artists, and musicians, emphasizing their role in showcasing the nation to the world. Panta also drew attention to what he termed as “the dire condition” of Sajha Prakashan, a state entity promoting literature and litterateurs.