President Addresses Republic Day, Prime Minister Balen Shah Declines to Speak

President Ram Chandra Paudel addressed the Republic Day ceremony, emphasizing that political and governance changes alone are insufficient without shifts in character, integrity, and values. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, despite being present, did not address the ceremony, breaking a past tradition. The absence of a statement from the Prime Minister and the Rastriya Swatantra Party has raised concerns about devaluing the republican system.