Prime Minister Balen Shah has not yet decided whether he will attend Parliament to respond to discussions on the government’s policy and programme, creating growing political tension and uncertainty over upcoming parliamentary procedures.
The issue has disrupted proceedings in the House of Representatives, with opposition parties demanding the prime minister’s direct presence during the debate. The continued deadlock has also raised concerns over delays in the budget process, as constitutional deadlines approach.
Prime Minister Yet to Confirm Attendance in Parliament
Prime Minister Balen Shah has not confirmed whether he will appear in Parliament to answer lawmakers during discussions on the government’s policy and programme.
According to the prime minister’s press adviser Deepa Dahal, no final decision has been made regarding his participation in the parliamentary session.
The uncertainty has become a major political issue after opposition parties insisted that the prime minister himself must be present during deliberations on the government’s plans and priorities.
Finance Minister Presented Policy and Programme
During Wednesday’s parliamentary meeting, the government assigned Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to present the policy and programme in the House of Representatives.
Before the session formally began, several political parties objected and argued that Prime Minister Balen Shah should personally appear before Parliament to present the document.
Despite the protests, parliamentary procedures allowed the finance minister to move forward with the presentation. The rules state that either the prime minister or a minister designated by the prime minister can present the government’s policy and programme.
The Shram Sanskriti Party, however, strongly objected to the arrangement and boycotted Parliament after insisting that only the prime minister should have carried out the presentation.
Opposition Parties Obstructed Parliamentary Proceedings
Although opposition lawmakers allowed the policy and programme to be tabled in Parliament, they demanded that Prime Minister Balen Shah attend the House to listen to the discussion and provide
direct responses to lawmakers.
The opposition later obstructed parliamentary proceedings after the prime minister did not appear during the session.
As tensions increased inside the chamber, the parliamentary meeting was eventually postponed until Thursday.
The dispute has now become one of the main challenges facing the current parliamentary session, with both the government and opposition remaining firm on their positions.
Budget Schedule Faces Possible Delay
The ongoing parliamentary obstruction has also affected preparations related to the national budget.
Under constitutional provisions, the government is required to present the national budget on May 29. Before the budget presentation, Parliament must first begin discussions on the pre-budget framework.
According to parliamentary procedures, the policy and programme must be approved before the government can formally introduce the pre-budget discussion.
Because of the deadlock over the prime minister’s absence, the debate on the policy and programme has not moved forward, increasing the risk of delays in the parliamentary calendar.
Pressure Builds on Government Ahead of Key Deadlines
Political pressure on the government has continued to grow as lawmakers push for clarity on the prime minister’s role in Parliament.
Opposition parties argue that the prime minister should directly participate in discussions involving the government’s future plans and national priorities.
The issue has now extended beyond a procedural disagreement and has become linked to broader concerns about parliamentary accountability and government responsibility.
With constitutional deadlines approaching, Parliament is expected to face increasing pressure to resume regular proceedings and complete pending discussions related to the policy and programme.
Uncertainty Continues Over Next Parliamentary Session
No official confirmation has yet been given regarding whether Prime Minister Balen Shah will attend the next parliamentary meeting.
The government’s ability to move ahead with policy discussions and budget preparations now largely depends on whether a political understanding can be reached between the ruling side and opposition parties.
Until then, parliamentary activity related to the government’s policy and programme remains stalled, leaving uncertainty over the next steps in the legislative process.
