RSP urges President to stop govt’s wrong decisions

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has voiced its concern to the President regarding the questionable decisions made by the ruling parties in their bid to prolong their stay in government.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the amnesty granted to Yograj Dhakal, also known as Regal Dhakal, of Nepalgunj on Constitution Day, the RSP submitted a three-point memorandum to President Ram Chandra Poudel on Monday. In the memorandum, the RSP urged the President to assess the lawmakers’ intentions when legislating amnesty laws and ensure that legislators adhere to constitutional provisions as well as the penal code.

“We respectfully request you to remain vigilant in safeguarding the dignity and honor of this institution, which represents the highest body of the federal democratic system, earned through the struggles and sacrifices of the Nepali people,” reads the memorandum. “In order to practically ensure constitutional supremacy and the rule of law, we anticipate positive initiatives and prudent decisions from the Office of the President to mitigate and manage criticisms directed at the presidential institution.”

In response, Poudel reminded the delegation that the President cannot reject proposals brought by the government by fulfilling constitutional provisions. “I do not think that you are not aware of our constitution, our republican system and our parliamentary system. You are in parliament and the government is also in parliament. Why could not you make the Prime Minister and the Home Minister accountable in the parliament itself?” President Poudel said.

Dhakal, a leader of Nepal Tarun Dahal – the youth wing of the ruling Nepali Congress, who had been convicted for the murder of Chetan Manandhar, was granted a presidential pardon on Constitution Day.