Opposition MP Premila Kumar has accused National Federation Party (NFP) leader Professor Biman Prasad of political hypocrisy, arguing that as part of Government, he should pursue policy changes through Cabinet rather than public statements.
The criticism follows Professor Prasad’s call for the Government to introduce fuel subsidies for sugarcane harvesters and cane lorry operators to support the 2026 crushing season.
In a statement, Kumar said the NFP was an integral part of the Coalition Government, holding three Cabinet portfolios and one Assistant Minister position.
“On one hand, the NFP is an integral part of the Government. It has three Cabinet Ministers and one Assistant Minister sitting around the decision-making table, collectively responsible for the policies, budgets, and direction of the Coalition Government,” said Kumar.
The statement questioned why Professor Prasad was publicly urging the Government to act when his party was already part of the administration.
“Hon Biman Prasad continues to issue press statements that the Government should immediately announce fuel subsidy for sugarcane harvesters and cane lorry operators, as if he was an outsider and not part of the Government.”
It argued that if the NFP supported specific measures, its ministers should advance them through Cabinet processes.
“This raises a simple question: if the NFP believes the Government should be doing ‘this and that’, why are its own Ministers not advancing those proposals in Cabinet?”
The statement stressed that governments operate through collective responsibility and Cabinet decisions.
“Coalition partners cannot claim credit when things go well and then pretend to be spectators, calling for action when problems arise.”
It further suggested the public had a right to question whether such statements were genuine policy proposals or political positioning.
“The public is entitled to ask whether these statements are genuine attempts to solve problems or merely political theatre designed to distance the party from the Government’s failures while continuing to enjoy the benefits of being in power.”
Kumar urged Professor Prasad to pursue changes from within Government if he believed reforms were necessary.
“If Biman Prasad believes change is needed, he should start by directing his Ministers to advocate for those changes within Government rather than conducting a running commentary from the sidelines.”
“So stop pushing the Government because you are a partner of the Coalition Government,” the statement concluded.
