Opposition MPs Disrupt Parliament Demanding Prime Minister Balen Shah’s Resignation

Nepal’s parliament session witnessed major disruption after opposition lawmakers protested and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. The obstruction began after the Prime Minister failed to attend discussions related to the government’s policy and program in the House of Representatives.

The protest was initiated by Harka Sampang, chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party, who strongly objected to the Prime Minister’s absence during the parliamentary discussion. Following his remarks, opposition Members of Parliament stood up in protest and disrupted the session.

The controversy intensified when Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle prepared to present the proposal on behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah. At that moment, Harka Sampang stood up and demanded the Prime Minister’s resignation, arguing that the head of government should personally attend and respond to discussions on important national policies.

Although the Speaker later provided time for the main opposition to express its concerns, Harka Sampang boycotted the meeting and walked out of the parliamentary session in protest.

Opposition Warns of Parliament Boycott

The main opposition party, Nepali Congress, also expressed strong dissatisfaction regarding the Prime Minister’s continued absence from parliamentary proceedings.

Speaking during the House meeting, senior Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC stated that while parliamentary rules allow another minister to present government proposals in the Prime Minister’s absence, the Prime Minister himself must appear during the discussion and answer session.

Leader KC warned that if Prime Minister Balendra Shah remains absent during the question-and-answer session, the opposition party could be forced to boycott parliament entirely.

According to him, the Prime Minister has repeatedly ignored parliamentary traditions and constitutional responsibilities, raising serious concerns about accountability and respect toward the legislature.

Debate Over Parliamentary Norms and Accountability

During his speech in parliament, Arjun Narsingh KC emphasized that parliamentary systems function on the basis of accountability, responsibility, and respect for institutional norms. He clarified that the opposition does not object to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presenting the proposal under Rule 38 of parliamentary regulations, which allows designated ministers to act on behalf of the Prime Minister when necessary.

However, he stressed that the Prime Minister must personally answer lawmakers during debates concerning government policy and national programs.

The opposition argued that continued absence from parliament weakens democratic practices and undermines the dignity of the House of Representatives.

Political Tensions Continue to Rise

The latest parliamentary obstruction highlights growing political tensions within Nepal’s federal parliament. Opposition parties have increasingly criticized the government over transparency, accountability, and leadership style in recent weeks.

Meanwhile, supporters of the government argue that parliamentary procedures allow ministers to represent the Prime Minister during official discussions when required.

Despite the disagreement over procedure, the incident has intensified debate over political accountability and parliamentary responsibility in Nepal’s current political environment.

As tensions continue to rise inside the House of Representatives, attention is now focused on whether Prime Minister Balendra Shah will appear personally during upcoming parliamentary sessions to address the opposition’s concerns and avoid a possible boycott by major opposition parties.