Nepal, July 14 -- Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Whip Nishkal Rai on Tuesday questioned whether Prime Minister Balendra Shah was still the same leader who once lamented that "Garibko chameli bolidine kohi chhaina" ("There is no one to speak for the poor"), accusing his government of growing increasingly authoritarian.

Speaking during a meeting of the House of Representatives, Rai alleged that the government was stifling criticism and curbing freedom of expression.

"The government is trying to establish that Prime Minister Balendra Shah cannot be questioned," Rai said. "It is sending a message to the public that he stands above the Constitution and the laws of the country, and that no one has the right to question him, even within ...