Speaker instructs PM Shah to attend parliament, answer lawmakers

Speaker DP Aryal has issued a directive compelling Prime Minister Balendra Shah to appear in the House of Representatives and respond to questions from lawmakers, ending a period of repeated absences from the mandatory monthly session. This ruling comes after Prime Minister Shah consistently failed to adhere to parliamentary regulations requiring his presence during the first week of each month to address queries.

Lawmakers had been demanding Shah's accountability, particularly following his controversial statement on May 31 regarding the Nepal-India border. During that session, Shah remarked that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory, a statement that drew significant criticism and calls for retraction and clarification. Opposition parties had also protested his earlier absence from discussions on government policies and programs, and his delegation of Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to respond on his behalf.

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Members of parliament have been raising this issue for a long time, and it has come to my attention.

Speaker Aryal acknowledged the long-standing issue raised by members of parliament before issuing the directive. The new ruling guarantees each parliamentary party at least one question during the direct question-and-answer session, with additional questions allocated based on party strength. Lawmakers are required to submit their written questions by Friday afternoon.

The Speaker's ruling is seen as significant for both the government and the parliamentary leadership, especially as Aryal himself has faced scrutiny from opposition lawmakers regarding his perceived independence. The ongoing dispute has led to repeated deadlocks in the House, highlighting tensions between the executive and legislative branches.

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You may find this surprising, but I too only recently learned, after becoming prime minister, that Nepal has encroached on Indian territory in many places, not just India on Nepali territory.