Kathmandu, November 2
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has said the activities of people holding executive positions in the country have reduced the business of running the state to a children’s game.
Speaking at a programme organised by Press Chautari Nepal in Rupandehi on Monday, Pokhrel said those holding responsible positions in the state should act with greater restraint and accountability, but the conduct of those in power had turned state affairs into a subject of ridicule.
“Someone identifying himself as the prime minister’s chief adviser mentions journalists and asks, ‘If your name is not on the list of so many people, are you even a journalist?’ Can the state become a subject of such jokes? The higher the position of responsibility, the greater the restraint and accountability required,” he said.
He added that the social media activities of people in executive positions had made the state look like a children’s plaything, while weakening the government, democratic institutions and constitutional bodies.
Pokhrel warned that such government activities had put the future of the country’s democratic system at risk. He also accused the state of increasing control over student organisations, trade unions, professional organisations and the media.
He said restrictions on student organisations, trade union activities at universities and campuses, and professional organisations undermined the fundamental democratic rights to organise and express opinions.
