Balen to skip Republic Day Speech; PM's Office recommends President to deliver address

Prime Minister Balendra "Balen" Shah will not deliver a speech during the upcoming Republic Day celebrations, breaking with tradition. Instead, President Ramchandra Paudel is being prepared to deliver the address. This decision comes amidst widespread criticism of Prime Minister Shah's absence from Parliament and his failure to adhere to traditional political protocols, including not yet making a courtesy visit to the President. Ruling RSP lawmakers have also expressed concerns about the Prime Minister's accountability to Parliament.