Kathmandu [Nepal], March 30: A heated debate between lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties led to a disruption in Nepal’s House of Representatives on Sunday. The monarchy issue and the dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) chief Kulman Ghising were at the center of the dispute.
The session, scheduled to start at 11 AM (local time), began two hours late and quickly descended into chaos. House Speaker Devraj Ghimire repeatedly requested lawmakers to take their seats, but opposition members refused.
Monarchy Sparks Uproar in Parliament
A video released by the Parliament Secretariat showed ruling party lawmakers demanding punishment for those who mentioned “monarchy” during the session. Opposition leader Rajendra Lingden, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RPP), was seen challenging authorities to arrest him.
The RPP has been leading a series of pro-monarchy protests, advocating for the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy and its status as a Hindu state. The live broadcast of the session was unexpectedly halted, with officials citing “technical issues.”
Protests Turn Deadly: Two Killed, Dozens Injured
The parliamentary disturbance follows Friday’s violent protests in Kathmandu, where clashes between pro-monarchy demonstrators and security forces resulted in the death of a protester and an on-duty video journalist. Dozens, including police personnel, were injured, and authorities imposed a curfew after protesters vandalized vehicles, businesses, and public property.
Prime Minister Oli Calls Emergency Meeting
In response to the escalating crisis, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has summoned a meeting at 6 PM (local time) with lawmakers to discuss recent developments. However, the RPP—a key player in the monarchy protests—has not been invited.
The meeting follows a telephone conversation between PM Oli and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal, leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre). Opposition parties, including the Maoist Centre, have been boycotting Parliament since Wednesday, protesting the dismissal of NEA chief Kulman Ghising.
Political Divide: Monarchy vs. Republic
Pro-royalist figures, including Nawaraj Subedi, medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai, and RPP leaders, have been leading nationwide demonstrations calling for a return to monarchy. Meanwhile, pro-republican forces have condemned the violence, demanding a high-level investigation into the protests.
With tensions high and political divisions deepening, Nepal’s government faces a critical challenge in restoring stability and public trust while navigating these controversial issues.