Prime Minister Balendra Shah Declines Republic Day Address, Recommends President

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has declined to address the Republic Day ceremony at Tundikhel on Jestha 15, instead recommending President Ram Chandra Paudel to deliver the address. This recommendation, made via a letter from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, deviates from the tradition of the Prime Minister addressing the ceremony in the President's presence. Sources indicate President Paudel is dissatisfied with this recommendation, viewing it as an arbitrary act by the executive head.