Upholding rule of law a must in democracy: DPM Singh

By Basanta Parajuli,Narayangadh, Oct. 29: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh has stated that upholding the rule of law is fundamental to democracy.

Speaking at a Tihar special programme organised by the Nepali Congress in Bharatpur on Monday, he expressed the notion that certain individuals are exempt from the law must end.

“Politics involves character, integrity and honesty, all guided by law and order. There’s a perception that the law should apply only to the older generation and not the new. This is not acceptable; the law applies equally to everyone,” he said.

Without mentioning any names, DPM Singh’s remarks were directed at the Rastriya Swatantra Party and its chairman Rabi Lamichhane.

He stated, “The government is firm in moving forward by upholding democratic values. It will not back down.”

Referring to Lamichhane, who is currently in police custody on charges of cooperative fraud, Singh noted, “He cannot claim that the law does not apply to him when accusations are made against him.”

He questioned, “Is it reasonable to preach principles for others but, when facing similar charges himself, claim immunity from the law?”

He added, “The presence of these so-called new alternative forces has also become apparent.”

Deputy Prime Minister Singh stated that the government holds no grudge against anyone.

“There is no need for the Nepali Congress (NC)-CPN-UML-led government to target anyone,” he said adding, “Any actions taken are as per law and order.”

He added that while it was easy to preach principles to others, a wrong practice has developed where people view the law as flawed when it is applied to them.

Singh emphasised, “The NC-UML coalition government harbours no hatred and does not target anyone. But the rule of law must be upheld in the country.”

He explained that the coalition between the NC and UML was formed to ensure political stability.

“In the past, excluding the leading party from power while the second and third parties ran the government, along with frequent government changes, led to public disappointment,” he noted.

“The NC-UML alliance is committed to addressing this frustration and establishing stability in the country.”

He affirmed that the government is responsible for promoting peace and prosperity and made it clear that it would not yield to anyone’s demands.

Meanwhile, Singh also inaugurated an assembly hall in Ratnanagar, eastern Chitwan, on Monday. 

Located near the tourist site Sauraha, the hall has a seating capacity of 1,000 and has been under construction for five years with the funding of the federal government. 

It is informed that the construction cost amounted to Rs. 352,270,814.

Singh also expressed that provincial and local governments should advance development plans to implement federalism.

“The core of federalism demands provincial and local governments lead their activities and development plans. The government is now on this path,” he said.