Lawmakers Should Not Just Be Machines for Following Whips: Sumana Shrestha

Politician and former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha has pointed out the need for reform in Nepal’s current parliamentary system. Speaking at the 'Policy, Leader, and Leadership' session of the Kantipur Conclave, she stated that elected lawmakers should not be mere machines for following party instructions (whips).

According to Shrestha, lawmakers should be allowed to use their own intellect and conscience in parliament. She remarked that if they only follow the whips of the party and top leaders, lawmakers will become nothing more than people who just drum on tables, failing to truly represent the public. “A lawmaker must be a representative of the people, not just a representative of the party,” she said.

She also commented that the tendency to stay in power for life after entering politics is wrong. She emphasized the need to develop a culture of exiting politics and providing opportunities for new leadership.

Furthermore, she protested against the discriminatory style in parliament where top leaders always occupy the front rows, and women and proportional representation lawmakers are given less time to speak. 

She also criticized the manifestos brought by parties during elections, calling them mere "talk" that never gets implemented. She stated that politics should be taken as a serious responsibility and service, rather than just a means to gain power and position.