PM expresses ire against House boycott

By Pallav Bhusal,Kathmandu, Aug. 14: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Wednesday criticised opposition lawmakers for turning Parliament into what he described as a “factory for social media content.” 

Speaking during a House session, PM Oli said that the House should focus on national priorities, not on generating confusion for views and likes. His remarks followed a prolonged boycott by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) MPs, who have been demanding a high-level probe into visit visa financial scandals and the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

“Parliament is not a stage for drama. It’s a sacred institution meant to serve the nation,” he said, accusing some lawmakers of stirring public sentiment with misleading narratives. Addressing allegations of political vendetta in the cooperative fraud case involving RSP President Ravi Lamichhane, PM Olis said that justice does not operate on political favouritism, it follows the law. He urged all parties to respect the judiciary and avoid undermining it for political gain.

Prime Minister Oli outlined what he called “substantial achievements” by his government over the past fiscal year. “We have constructed 1,088 kilometres of two-lane blacktop roads and 146 kilometres of four-lane roads, far more than previous year. And I’m proud to report a 166 per cent increase in suspension bridges, including one in Susta that strengthens our presence at a sensitive border area,” he said.

He noted that key strategic highways, Madan Bhandari, Postal, and Mid-Hill, are progressing, while the Damak Business Complex has officially opened. “We are building infrastructure not just for today, but for generations to come,” said PM Oli.

On education, PM Oli pointed to a 9.02 per cent increase in Class 12 pass rates, and the hiring of 6,506 permanent teachers. 

“We are investing in our youth. The new teachers will bring energy and stability to classrooms across the country. This is how we shape our future,” he said.

In health, he cited the completion of 55 basic hospitals, increased access to specialised treatments, and the introduction of HPV vaccines to over 1.6 million girls. “No woman should die giving life. That’s why we conducted 131 free air rescues for pregnant women in high-risk areas. This is what people-centred governance looks like,” he said.

PM Oli said the Citizen Health Programme now reaches all local levels and additional funds have been allocated for serious illnesses.

Speaking on digital transformation, PM Oli declared that his government is committed to smart governance. “We now offer 65 government services through the Nagarik app. From digital driving licences to paying traffic fines online, this is how a 21st-century state should work,” he said.

He added that 75 per cent of citizens are now registered for the national identity card, with plans to integrate driver’s licences, SIM cards, and foreign employment verification soon.

PM Oli said the newly formed High-Level Governance Reform Commission is tasked with making the state “leaner and more efficient,” and that amendments to the Good Governance Act will now require decisions within seven days. “Citizens should not wait months for a government decision. We are cutting red tape to restore public trust,” he said.

PM Oli said that 434 MW of electricity was added to the national grid last year, bringing total capacity to 3,682 MW. “We are becoming self-reliant in energy. We also installed 573 automated weather stations to enhance disaster preparedness,” he said. 

On water supply, PM Oli said access to basic drinking water had reached 97 per cent, and that major upgrades to Melamchi had been completed. “We’ve introduced an automated water management system to ensure reliability. The people of Kathmandu deserve no less,” he said.

He said Nepal had secured a Rs. 5 billion grant from the Green Climate Fund and approved its Third Nationally Determined Contribution to fight climate change. “We are acting, not just talking, on climate commitments. From floods to droughts, our preparedness is stronger than ever,” added PM Oli.

On earthquake recovery, he confirmed that damage assessments had been completed for over 87,000 households, with Rs. 50,000 disbursed to 79,000 affected families.

In agriculture, the PM said the government launched online insurance and set minimum support prices to protect farmers. Nepali labs are now officially recognised by India, and meat and dairy export processes to China have been streamlined.

He also noted that land record digitisation is complete in 135 offices, with 92 survey offices adopting Nepal Land Information System.

PM Oli informed that tourism has also rebounded. “We welcomed 1.2 million tourists last year. On average, they stayed for 13 days, proof that Nepal remains an attractive destination,” he said.

Flights from China have started at Pokhara International Airport, while Gautam Buddha International Airport saw an increase from 120 to 440 flights.

On foreign affairs, Oli reaffirmed Nepal’s focus on regional and global engagement. “I have represented Nepal at BIMSTEC, in China, Thailand, and at the UN. We are making our voice heard on international platforms,” he said.

He also confirmed that both the Commission of Inquiry into 

Disappeared Persons and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission are now operational.

PM Oli called on opposition parties to rise above partisan interests. “You may sit in opposition, but you carry the people’s mandate. Do not forget your responsibility towards the nation,” he said.

He warned that eroding public trust in the judiciary and Parliament would have long-term consequences. “Which arrests are political, and which are legal? If you cannot answer that honestly, then stop misleading the people with mobs and microphones,” he added.

Prime Minister Oli also clarified that the government would not introduce any law recognizing polygamy, calling related rumours completely baseless.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli asserted that the current political alliance will remain intact until the 2027 elections. 

He said the coalition of major parties was formed to ensure political stability and revive the economy, 

questioning why the opposition finds stability so unpleasant and unacceptable.

“Despite disasters, our indicators show progress. We are building a Prosperous Nepal, with Happy Nepalis. Let us not derail this journey for personal gains,” said PM Oli.