DistantNews
Support us
Minister Lamsal’s helicopter evacuation sparks heated exchange in Parliament
🇳🇵 Nepal /Elections & Politics

Minister Lamsal’s helicopter evacuation sparks heated exchange in Parliament

From OnlineKhabar English · () English

Summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal's helicopter evacuation after falling ill has sparked a debate in Nepal's Parliament.
  • Ruling party MPs defended the use of the helicopter, citing the minister's work, while opposition lawmakers questioned government priorities regarding public services.
  • The incident highlighted disparities in access to essential services for ordinary citizens compared to government officials.

A helicopter evacuation of Nepal's Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal after he fell ill has ignited a heated exchange in Parliament, pitting ruling party lawmakers defending the minister against opposition members questioning the government's priorities.

The government can spend millions to bring a minister, but not Rs 300,000 to help people.

— Basana ThapaNepali Congress Chief Whip, criticizing the government's spending priorities.

The controversy began when Lamsal, who was inspecting infrastructure projects in Sudurpaschim, became unwell in Baitadi and was flown by helicopter to Dhangadhi, then to Kathmandu. While Lamsal has since been discharged from the hospital, the incident has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition regarding the allocation of resources.

Nepali Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa voiced strong disapproval, contrasting the minister's costly evacuation with the struggles of ordinary citizens seeking basic services. "The government can spend millions to bring a minister, but not Rs 300,000 to help people," Thapa stated, highlighting the lack of relief, medicines, and even transportation for citizens needing medical care. She questioned the government's focus, asking, "The life of a citizen in Karnali is just as valuable as the life of a minister. Is this equality? Is this the government of the people?"

The life of a citizen in Karnali is just as valuable as the life of a minister. Is this equality? Is this the government of the people?

— Basana ThapaHighlighting the disparity in access to services between citizens and government officials.

In defense of Minister Lamsal, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Bharat Prasad Parajuli argued that individuals striving for change often face criticism. He suggested that the government, led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, is working diligently to improve the country but is being unfairly targeted. Parajuli asserted that Minister Lamsal was actively traveling to understand infrastructure and connectivity issues across the country, not for ceremonial purposes, and was working tirelessly even in remote areas during the monsoon season.

In our country, people who want to do something are criticised. The present government has also become a victim of this criticism.

— Bharat Prasad ParajuliRSP lawmaker, defending the government against criticism.
About this summary

Originally published by OnlineKhabar English. Summarized and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

More Stories

From Our Blog