Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Former Speaker and CPN-UML leader Dev Raj Ghimire has accused Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane of using hateful language while soliciting votes for his party’s candidate in Jhapa-2 seat of the House of Representatives.
Ghimire, who is again contesting the election from Jhapa-2 as the UML candidate, raised concerns after Lamichhane allegedly referred to him as “the Speaker who cuts off the microphone when people raise their voices.”
Former Deputy Speaker Indira Rana is contesting from the same constituency as the RSP candidate in the constituency.
“Every member of Parliament has the right to express their views. However, under parliamentary practice, speaking time is allocated to ensure equal opportunity and orderly discussion,” Ghimire said. “The issue of microphones being turned off is not based on the personal discretion of the Speaker but is done in accordance with pre-determined time limits and parliamentary rules.”
He added that anyone with a basic understanding of parliamentary practice would be aware of this. “He is someone with parliamentary experience himself. It can be verified on Parliament’s website that microphones have been turned off not only during my tenure but also when the Deputy Speaker or other members were chairing the session. In fact, it has happened more frequently,” he said.
Accusing Lamichhane of attempting to mislead the public by portraying himself as a victim of political retaliation, Ghimire urged him not to spread rumors, hatred, or allegations against others while appealing to voters.
