KATHMANDU: Major opposition parties on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah in the House of Representatives, intensifying political tensions over his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues.
Lawmakers raised objections over the Prime Minister’s statement made on May 31, in which he reportedly suggested that Nepal had encroached upon Indian territory. Opposition parties argued that the remarks were serious enough to require either an apology or resignation.
Speaking in the House, Harka Sampang said the Prime Minister should correct his statement made in Parliament and present himself before the House to clarify the issue.
“The statement made by the Prime Minister on May 31 must be corrected,” Sampang said. “It must be verified where Nepal has encroached on India’s border. If a mistake has been made, he should stand before 30 million Nepalis and apologize.”
He also cited constitutional provisions, arguing that Article 77(1)(g) should be reviewed in relation to parliamentary attendance and accountability.
Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Khushbu Oli criticized what she described as a tendency to defend political leaders even by undermining national interests.
“Nowadays, some people go as far as collecting evidence against the country to defend leaders,” Oli said. “Statements made in Parliament carry diplomatic weight. There has been an error, and the Prime Minister is new in office.”
Similarly, Nepali Communist Party chief whip Yubaraj Dulal said the Prime Minister should not remain silent on such a sensitive issue.
“This is not a small matter. The Prime Minister must come to Parliament and apologize,” Dulal said. “If he is not ready to accept responsibility, he should resign and pave the way forward.”
Dulal also urged Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to hold consultations with party leaders to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament.
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