Prime Minister Balen Shah held meetings with lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties on Monday, initiating province-wise discussions to address key development concerns and political coordination.
The discussions brought together Members of Parliament from different regions, with the Prime Minister engaging them collectively based on their provinces. The meetings are seen as an effort to gather regional priorities and strengthen dialogue between the executive and the legislature at a time when political expectations remain high.
Among those attending was MP Gyanendra Shahi, who also leads the parliamentary party of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Speaking briefly to reporters, Shahi said he would use the platform to raise critical development issues concerning Karnali Province, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and government attention in remote regions.
The Prime Minister’s outreach appears focused on listening to lawmakers’ concerns directly rather than waiting for formal parliamentary proceedings. By holding these province-based interactions, the government is attempting to build consensus and better understand ground-level challenges faced by different parts of the country.
However, not all lawmakers chose to participate. MP Harka Sampang, who is also the chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party, declined the invitation. In a public statement, he questioned the purpose of informal meetings, arguing that discussions should take place within the संसद rather than in closed-door settings. He stressed that regular parliamentary sessions must be held and that leaders should not avoid answering public concerns.
The differing responses highlight ongoing tensions over how political dialogue should be conducted, especially regarding transparency and accountability. While some lawmakers view such meetings as an opportunity for direct engagement, others remain critical of processes that bypass formal institutions.
The Prime Minister Balen Shah–MP meeting signals an attempt to bridge political divides, but its effectiveness will likely depend on whether these discussions translate into concrete policy actions and improved parliamentary cooperation in the coming weeks.
