KATHMANDU, July 14: The Balendra Shah-led government has come under growing criticism as a series of incidents have fuelled accusations of poor governance and attempts to suppress dissent.
The latest controversies, including the death of Mugu resident Ganesh Nepali during treatment after his self-immolation attempt in Tripureshwor and the flooding of a holding center housing squatters, have intensified public scrutiny of the government's handling of sensitive issues.
The government is facing criticism not only from opposition parties but also from lawmakers within the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Already under pressure from mounting criticism both inside and outside the party, the government found itself embroiled in another controversy on Monday after suspiciously parked vehicles were found outside media houses and the residences of political leaders.
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The vehicles, parked in a way that obstructed access to several locations, were later linked to individuals reportedly close to the ruling RSP. Critics have accused the government of attempting to divert public attention from recent controversies.
Opposition leaders and the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) alleged that the incidents were aimed at intimidating the media and restricting press freedom at a time when the prime minister was, in their words, drifting away from democratic norms.
In a statement issued on Monday, FNJ General Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal said suspicious vehicles had been parked directly outside the gates of media organizations, creating obstacles for journalists and fostering an atmosphere of fear. The federation demanded an immediate investigation and legal action against those responsible, calling the incident mysterious and condemnable.
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa accused the government of adopting authoritarian tendencies by trying to silence citizens. Speaking at a program organized to mark the 44th BP Memorial Day, he said the state had no authority to obstruct access to the homes of political leaders, media offices or business establishments through such actions.
Thapa also criticized the government's response to the squatter issue, saying a responsible government should protect every citizen instead of turning away from humanitarian responsibilities.
CPN UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel also condemned the incidents, describing the parking of vehicles outside media offices as a reckless attempt to intimidate the press. In a Facebook post, he called it a childish act meant to spread fear among media organizations and society.
Meanwhile, the RSP itself issued a statement urging the government to identify and act against those involved in blocking the entrances of media houses.
General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya said free and fearless journalism was the lifeblood of democracy and reaffirmed the party's commitment to protecting press freedom.
The party said any attempt to create psychological pressure on journalists or interfere with the independent functioning of the media amounted to a direct violation of democratic principles.
It also stressed that any effort to curb freedom of information, create fear within media organizations or weaken the role of the press was unacceptable under any circumstances.
