Harka Rai questions on PM’s private visit: ‘What did you go to eat?’ 

Kathmandu. Chairperson of the Labour Culture Party and lawmaker Harka Rai demanded an explanation in the parliament on the private visit of Prime Minister Walen Shah. He also demanded immediate steps to control erosion of the Koshi river and to punish the perpetrators of rape.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives on Monday, Rai clarified that the PM’s visit could not be a private visit.

“It has been said that the Prime Minister is on a private visit. There is no private visit of the Prime Minister. This should be kept in mind. The Prime Minister did not go alone. With him, the government security apparatus automatically activates. He went privately, without informing the cabinet or the parliament. What did you go to eat? If there is no wind, there is air in Kathmandu. There are no apples in Mustang now. You have to tell me what you’re going to taste now. You have to answer in the House. ’

Lawmaker Rai drew the government’s attention towards the destruction of fertile land due to erosion by the Koshi River in Barahachhetra of Sunsari at a time when the country is wreaking havoc due to disaster. He claimed that the problem has increased during floods as 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage have not been opened.

“The country is gripped by disaster. Hundreds of bighas of arable land are being eroded and destroyed due to erosion in Barahakshetra of Sunsari. The government should do what it needs to do immediately. The main reason for this is that we keep 56 gates of the Koshi Barrage closed. Who has the key to open those 56? Why not open it? Every year, our agricultural land is inundated by blocking the Saptakoshi river and flooding every year. The government should take immediate action in this regard. ’

At the same time, he accused criminals of roaming freely by taking advantage of the weakness of the law. Urging the government to be serious about the incidents of rape and murder of minors, he called for clarifying the legal provisions related to rape and taking stern punishment to those found guilty.