Congress objects to arrests of those questioning Lumbini Development Fund appointment

Nepali Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel has objected to the government arresting citizens who questioned the appointment of a vice-chair at the Lumbini Development Fund.

Writing on Facebook on Tuesday, he said that instead of correcting the controversial appointment, the government detained critical citizens in the middle of the night and released them later. He said such conduct by the government cannot be supported.

General Secretary Paudel noted that public questions had been raised about the citizenship and financial dealings of Ani Choeying Dolma, appointed as the fund's vice-chair. He said the government cannot justify the appointment or clarify the basis of selection without answering those questions.

He said that when choosing leadership for an institution of national and international importance, popularity alone is not enough; merit, institutional capacity, credibility, moral character and accountability must also be essential considerations.

He recalled that Lumbini is not only the birthplace of the Buddha but also a heritage site tied to the country's international identity, religious faith and cultural pride. Remarking that overnight arrogance cannot be called governance, Paudel urged the government to show the courage to correct the decision if it is wrong, and not to intimidate citizens who ask questions.