President Bidya Devi Bhandari not used the term 'my government' while presenting the government’s policies and programs for the upcoming fiscal year Friday.
President Bhandari, who had controversially used the term while presenting the government’s policies and programs last year marking the use of the term in the parliament for the first time since the abolition of monarchy in the country 12 years ago, has used terms like 'present government', 'this government' and 'Nepal Government' this time.
Bhandari had also used the terms 'this government' and 'Nepal government' while presenting the policies and programs until the last year.
Ram Baran Yadav, the first president after Nepal became republic, used the term 'Nepal government' while starting his addresses to the parliament. He used to prefer passive voice at most of the places that would not require use of government in the sentence. In the few places where he had to, he used the term 'current government.'
Multiple use of the term 'my government' by President Bhandari last year like the former kings was criticized by the opposition parties and even some leaders in ruling CPN. But Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had staunchly defended President Bhandari stating that she can use the term 'my government.'
CPN leader and Minister of Karnali province Prakash Jwala, who had attended presentation of policies and programs last year, had also expressed dissatisfaction with the use of the term. "This is Nepal government elected by Nepali people. It would have been better if the term 'my government' were not used," Jwala had told reporters after coming out of the parliament. "I am at the parliament to listen to the polices and programs of Nepal government (people's government. But policies and programs of the personal government of Rt Honorable President is being announced here. Mr PM where and when should I come to listen to the policies and programs of the Nepal government?"
Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Gagan KC had tweeted addressing the official handle of the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. "Do we have the Nepal government elected by the Nepali people or the president's government in my country. There was 'His Majesty Government' at some point in time, and the king would address saying 'my government.' Which article of the Constitution has the provision allowing the president to speak in the same manner?"
NC Spokesperson Bishwo Prakash Sharma had also tweeted addressing official handle of the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers. "This is not 'my government', 'Nepali people's government," Spokesperson of Bibeksheel Nepali Party Milan Pandey had tweeted.
