The House of Representatives in Nepal erupted in a storm of controversy on Sunday as Congress and UML lawmakers accused key ministers of blatant favoritism in budget allocations. Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Paudel found themselves at the center of a fiery debate, fueled by accusations of manipulating the national budget to benefit their constituencies.

A Heated House Debate

Congressman Purna Bahadur Tamang did not mince words as he condemned the uneven distribution of funds, urging divine intervention to prevent the re-election of those responsible. “I pray before Lord Buddha and Pashupatinath that these two deputy prime ministers do not return to this House after the 2027 elections,” lamented Tamang, critiquing the allocation of resources to Singh’s and Paudel’s districts of Kathmandu and Rupandehi, respectively.

Accusations of Political Manipulation

Fellow Congress member Sunil Sharma joined the fray, decrying the ministers’ apparent disregard for equity across the nation. “You act as if only five districts exist in this country,” he exclaimed, emphasizing the unfair resource distribution. This stark inequality has fueled anger among constituents who feel neglected despite their equal tax contributions.

A Call for Budgetary Reforms

Surya Bahadur Thapa, from the prime minister’s CPN-UML party, critiqued Deputy Prime Minister Singh for allegedly attaching his father’s legacy to budget titles, questioning the future development plans based solely on familial accolades. The lawmakers called for significant changes, including revisiting the controversial ‘Take and Pay’ energy model and demanding more inclusive and transparent budget adjustments.

Proposals for Change Amidst Discord

Amidst the chaos, a striking comment by Independent MP Amresh Kumar Singh suggested leasing out neglected districts to other countries, a statement both dramatic and immediately expunged for its perceived anti-national sentiment. Meanwhile, seasoned Congress MP Arjun Narsingha KC admonished the administration’s conduct, urging the re-establishment of decorum and dialogue with opposing factions to foster a constructive political environment.

Concluding Appeals for Equity

Ramhari Khatiwada and Basudev Ghimire, representing Congress and UML, echoed the demand for comprehensive reforms in the budgetary process. “There’s an outdated practice that no changes can be made after the budget is tabled,” Khatiwada said. He proposed empowering lawmakers’ voices, suggesting amendments to policies that fail to reflect the country’s diverse needs and aspirations.

Despite their fierce objections, lawmakers are expected to adhere to party directives supporting the budget, showcasing the entrenched challenges within Nepal’s political landscape—challenges that may yet shape the future strategies of its ruling coalition. As stated in The Kathmandu Post, the tension within the government underscores the urgent need for reformative measures within Nepal’s budgeting procedures.