Prachanda Criticism of Government Policy: Calls for Inclusive Parliamentary Process

Kathmandu: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has strongly criticized the government for reducing the annual policy and program announcement to a ceremonial exercise. Speaking in Parliament on the government’s policy, presented by President Ramchandra Paudel on Baisakh 19, Prachanda highlighted the hollow nature of current parliamentary procedures. This Prachanda criticism of government policy stresses the need for inclusion, accountability, and meaningful debate.

Policy Announcement Reduced to Formality

“The government has made this important exercise ceremonial rather than meaningful,” Prachanda said. He recalled that last year, efforts were made to increase parliamentary participation by releasing the policy three months in advance, allowing MPs sufficient time to provide feedback. “We issued an ordinance to end the tradition of ignoring MPs’ voices in this respected House,” he added.

Reversal of Reforms Criticized

According to Prachanda, the current government scrapped the reform to maintain unchecked control. “They didn’t want to risk losing two-thirds dominance. That’s why they reversed last year’s provision,” he claimed. Prachanda accused the government of displaying an authoritarian mindset, relying on numerical strength rather than democratic norms.

Demand for Inclusive and Accountable Policy

He concluded by demanding the policy be corrected and made inclusive. “Parliamentary discussions should not be symbolic. I urge the government to stop treating them as a formality,” Prachanda emphasized. He also encouraged civil society and media to hold the government accountable for transparency in the policy-making process.

For further updates, see Nepal’s FY 2082/83 Policy and Programme and Why Nepalese Will Always Stay Poor | Sushmita Baniya | Dipendra B. Chhetri | TNB Unfiltered Ep. 3.