Role of the MPs not clear to the public: MP Parajuli

There is a lot of disappointment among the common people who have got nothing but assurances and pledges from the political parties and leaders, says MP Ganesh Parajuli, 44, of Rastriya Swatantra Party.

Sharing his recent interaction with the public during a talk with RSS, MP Parajuli said there has been an increase in common citizens' distaste for politics, its leadership and the political environment itself. "Distrust towards political parties and leaders is clearly visible on the faces of ordinary citizens," he said.

Taking note of the situation, MP Parajuli says his party is holding positive discussions with all the MPs of the respective constituencies to solve the people's problems through multi-party dialogue. "Our responsibility is to listen to the voices of the common citizens and work towards making their daily lives easier. For this, we are ready to cooperate with the parliamentarians of any party," Parajuli said.

However, he believes that the people have not been clear about the role of an MP because the political leaders have been giving them only assurances and making pledges. Common people have the impression that MPs have to be active in the work of development along with the role of a legislature.

The people of rural areas deprived of basic services are hoping for the guarantee of health, education and social security. There are many people who are not interested in what the role of an MP should be but they have to fulfill their basic needs anyway.

A businessperson-turned-politician, Parajuli, started his active political journey as a founding central member of Rastriya Swatantra Party in 2022. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives from Kathmandu District constituency No. 7. Parajuli is originally from Khotang.

MP Parajuli said that it was the first parliamentary practice for him and other members of his party and said that there was still a lot to learn. However, the slow pace of law making is quite worrisome. He said that the government along with the House is responsible for the delay in law making. "Unless the government and the established political parties, who hold a majority, exercise caution and act accordingly, our desire and efforts for reforms will not be successful."

MP Parajuli also alleged that the established political parties do not prioritize the people's issues. "When the main political parties are focusing more on saving their existence and popular support, the issues of the common people have been overshadowed."

He however is confident that despite having different ideologies, change is possible if all parties can unite for good governance, development, poverty alleviation and corruption control.