KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress Whip Nishkal Rai has strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah over his recent remarks on Nepal-India border issues, saying the statement has lowered the dignity of all Nepalis.
Addressing Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Rai said the Prime Minister’s claim that “Nepal has encroached on Indian territory” was unacceptable and demanded a clear explanation from the government.
“We register our note of dissent regarding the Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament,” Rai said. “The Prime Minister must clearly explain where and how Nepal has encroached on Indian land.”
Rai also objected to members of the ruling side applauding the Prime Minister’s remarks in the House, arguing that the issue concerns national sovereignty and should not be treated lightly.
He rejected attempts to characterize territorial disputes as cross-border occupation in a simplified manner, maintaining that the Prime Minister’s comments were highly irresponsible and detrimental to national interests.
Questioning the intent behind the statement, Rai accused the Prime Minister of playing with sensitive national issues for the sake of cheap popularity.
“What exactly is the Prime Minister trying to prove through such a statement?” he asked.
The Nepali Congress lawmaker warned that his party would be unable to cooperate in parliamentary proceedings unless the Prime Minister corrected his remarks. He said the statement amounted to an attack on Nepal’s national interests and sovereignty.
Describing the comment as “one of the most shameful statements in history” regarding Nepal’s territorial issues, Rai alleged that efforts were being made to normalize the controversy despite its seriousness.
He also criticized DP Aryal for remaining silent on the matter, saying the Speaker’s inaction had further complicated the situation.
The remarks come amid mounting pressure on Prime Minister Balen Shah from opposition parties, which have demanded that he retract his statement and apologize to Parliament over his comments concerning Nepal-India border relations.
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