Padma Aryal Asserts Parliament Belongs to Opposition, Demands PM Accountability
Kathmandu. CPN-UML Member of Parliament Padma Aryal has stated that since the parliament belongs to the opposition, the opposition parties must utilize it to the maximum extent in favor of the public.
Speaking to media persons outside the parliament building on Tuesday, she described the ongoing debates in parliament as a natural process. She expressed that the ruling party should not treat the demands raised by the opposition as a mere verbal duel or political bickering.
Aryal mentioned that the regulations themselves mandate the Prime Minister to appear at least once a month to answer questions raised in parliament. She clarified that their protests and efforts to draw attention were meant to ensure the implementation of this provision.
Emphasizing that the Prime Minister must be accountable to the parliament, she stated that establishing democratic values and political accountability is the main objective of her party.
She cautioned that the opposition's protest is not permanent, but warned that they would resort to agitation and struggle if the Prime Minister fails to appear on the days mandated by the regulations. She added that their intention is not to obstruct the parliament, and protests will be held only as necessary.
Reacting to the rumors about debates regarding a leadership change within the UML, Aryal claimed that no member had raised the issue of the party chairman's resignation during the party meeting. She informed that the party has formed a task force and given it a one-month deadline to conduct an objective review of the election results.
She claimed that not only the UML but all old political parties had weakened in the recent election, stating that the balance of power in national politics has shifted. Speaking on the issue of leftist unity, she clarified that no formal discussions are currently taking place among any political parties. She stated that all parties are currently focused on self-reflection and formulating their future strategies.
