MP Sobita Gautam has strongly rejected the idea of returning to monarchy in Nepal. In a recent interview, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker made it clear that Nepal’s republican system cannot be replaced by monarchy.
Gautam, who represents Kathmandu-2, also shared her concerns about the control over Parliament and the government’s failure to maintain transparency. She called for the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for mishandling protests and disasters.
Parliament Should Be Free, Not Controlled
Gautam criticized the winter session of Parliament. She said it felt like everything was “pre-scripted.”
“The voices we heard in Parliament were controlled,” she said. “The Speaker ignored the protests of the opposition and went ahead with the session.”
Gautam stressed that Parliament must reflect the voices of the people. She added that it should not just serve the ruling parties.
The Government Must Be Transparent
Gautam raised concerns about the Sagarmatha Dialogue, a major international event. She said lawmakers were not briefed on it and that Parliament was excluded from important matters.
“We need to be informed. Parliament should not be sidelined,” she said. “The government is focusing on political issues and ignoring public needs like health and education.”
Gautam warned that this kind of behavior sets a bad example for democracy.
Lawmaking Process Needs Improvement
According to Gautam, the government introduced last-minute changes to important bills. These changes were not discussed in Parliament’s committees.
One example was the statutory provisions bill. Gautam said it was fully discussed in the committee, but when it reached the full House, new amendments were added without prior approval.
“We were shocked. The government ignored the proper process,” she said. “Even the Speaker did nothing to correct this.”
Calls for Home Minister’s Resignation
Gautam has demanded the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. She blamed him for the mishandling of the Tinkune protest and the Nakkhu flood response.
During the protest, several people were injured, and one person died from gunshots. Gautam said the government has not held anyone accountable.
“The government has failed to protect its citizens,” Gautam stated. “Why has no one been held responsible for the deaths?”
Party Plans and People’s March
The Rastriya Swatantra Party is preparing for its general convention in Baisakh. Gautam said district- and ward-level committees are being set up to build the party’s structure.
The party is also conducting its “Jana Yatra” (People’s March) campaign, aimed at reaching out to citizens across the country. Gautam believes this campaign will help the party connect with the public.
“This campaign is about listening to the people,” she said. “It will help us strengthen our support nationwide.”
RSP Stands Firm on Republic
Gautam made it clear that her party is firmly against the monarchy. She said, “Monarchy is not — and cannot be — a substitute for the republic.”
She added that those behind recent unrest should be investigated to determine if they tried to destabilize Nepal.
A Message to the Public
Gautam urged the people of Nepal to focus on the country’s real issues, like the growing youth exodus.
“The country needs a system that works, not a system from the past,” she said.
She also stressed that the government must be held accountable. “We need to improve our system and make our leaders more responsible.”
