Dr. Mukul Dhakal's Scathing Critique: Why Rabi Lamichhane Shouldn't Hold High Office!
Kathmandu: Dr. Mukul Dhakal, the former General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, submitted a 15-point memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday morning. The recommendations cover issues ranging from constitutional amendments to administrative reforms, addressing concerns such as curbing local government corruption, resolving problems faced by loan shark victims, constructing paved roads to hospitals, and improving the judiciary.
Dr. Dhakal strongly suggested that ceremonial and ineffective structures like the Vice President's office, provincial structures, and District Coordination Committees should be abolished during the constitutional amendment process. He stated, "There is widespread disillusionment and anger among the people regarding the provincial structures, so it would be appropriate to abolish them. The Vice President's ceremonial position and the District Coordination Committees should also be eliminated."
He also recommended raising the electoral threshold and barring those elected through proportional representation from being re-elected through the same system. "A stable electoral system should be adopted, while strengthening the gains of inclusivity," Dr. Dhakal emphasized.
Additionally, Dr. Dhakal called for a provision preventing individuals who have renounced Nepali citizenship from being appointed to high-ranking positions in the state. "Those who have once renounced their Nepali citizenship should not be eligible for high office under the constitution," he clarified. He also stressed the need for urgent programs to rescue and provide relief to Nepali workers facing difficulties abroad.
Key Points of the Recommendations:
Constitutional Amendments:
- Abolish ceremonial positions like the Vice President.
- Eliminate provincial structures and District Coordination Committees.
- Address public discontent by abolishing provincial structures.
Electoral System Reforms:
- Raise the electoral threshold.
- Prohibit re-election through proportional representation for those already elected once.
- Implement block voting systems and other reforms to ensure a stable government.
Citizenship:
- Prevent individuals who have renounced Nepali citizenship from holding high-ranking positions.
Foreign Employment:
- Launch immediate programs for the rescue and relief of Nepali workers facing challenges abroad.
Criticism of Rabi Lamichhane: Dr. Dhakal criticized Rabi Lamichhane, stating that despite seeking opportunities in the United States, individuals like him should not be given high political positions. His disagreements with Lamichhane are reflected in the recommendations he provided to the Prime Minister. Dr. Dhakal was recently suspended from the party, largely due to his revolutionary statements.
Prime Minister Oli has expressed confidence that the recommendations made by Dr. Dhakal will be pursued through appropriate actions.