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Started 1 week ago · Updated 5 days ago

PM Balen Shah Accused of Disregarding Parliament and President

Photo · katmandujournal.com

Prime Minister Balen Shah has faced criticism for his conduct towards parliamentary institutions, including walking out of a joint session before the President finished speaking and sending his finance minister in his place for a key debate. Opposition parties and constitutional experts allege this behavior demonstrates a disregard for parliamentary supremacy and democratic principles. The Prime Minister's office has not provided explanations for these actions.

• Prime Minister Balen Shah attended a joint parliamentary session in informal attire and left before President Ram Chandra Paudel concluded his address.
• Shah did not pay a courtesy call to the President after taking office in late March, and his relationship with the President is described as formal and lacking coordination.
• Opposition leader Arjun Narsingh KC questioned Shah's presence and engagement in parliament, suggesting he acts as an 'emperor of some separate island'.
• The Prime Minister has also been criticized for using his personal Facebook page for official communications, including promoting state-owned products and speaking on behalf of the 'Government of Nepal'.
• Balen Shah has reportedly broken tradition by not meeting individually with foreign ambassadors, opting for a collective meeting instead, and his party stated he would not make foreign visits for at least a year.