PM Shah leaves Parliament in less than 30 minutes amid opposition protest

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah left the House of Representatives on Tuesday after remaining in the chamber for less than 30 minutes.

Shah entered Parliament at 1:37 pm alongside Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and left at 1:55 pm.

His arrival drew sharp reactions from opposition lawmakers, who intensified their criticism over allegations that individuals protected by the government had parked vehicles outside media offices and other locations to intimidate the press.

According to lawmakers, Shah entered the House after holding a five-minute closed-door meeting with Lamichhane.

While Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chief Whip Khushbu Oli was addressing the House, Shah and Lamichhane entered the chamber, prompting objections from opposition members.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar objected, citing Rule 20(6) of the House of Representatives Regulations, which he said makes it inappropriate for members to enter or leave the chamber while the Speaker or another lawmaker is speaking.

Mahar accused both Shah and Lamichhane of violating parliamentary rules and urged Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to issue a ruling on the matter.

The Prime Minister’s appearance in Parliament came amid mounting criticism over allegations that government-backed individuals had parked vehicles in the New Road area on Sunday and outside media offices on Monday.