KATHMANDU: CPN-UML parliamentary party deputy leader Padma Aryal has said that recent remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah and Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal have raised serious questions over Nepal’s national interests and established foreign policy.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Aryal demanded that both leaders clarify their controversial statements in Parliament.
She said the opposition had adjusted its protest strategy in view of the responsibility to pass the national budget and had cooperated to allow parliamentary proceedings to move forward.
However, she accused the Prime Minister of making objectionable remarks during his visit to India, saying they went against national interests.
Aryal further remarked that although the visit was expected to strengthen bilateral ties, the Prime Minister appeared more focused on ceremonial reception and “red carpet treatment,” while neglecting issues of nationalism.
Raising concerns over the Foreign Minister’s statements as well, Aryal questioned whether sensitive issues such as Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura were being treated as burdens of the past.
She stressed that government change does not alter national policy, saying foreign policy should remain consistent regardless of political shifts.
“National policy is not weakened or changed based on who wins or loses,” she said. “Parliament must rule on statements that undermine national interests.”
Aryal also objected to what she described as threatening language used by ministers during budget discussions, calling for restraint and accountability.
She urged the Prime Minister to appear in Parliament and respond to contemporary national issues.
Raising additional concerns, she referred to reports of an Indian military helicopter landing in Nepali territory with security officials on board and sought the government’s clarification.
She also highlighted the crisis facing tea industries in eastern Nepal due to alleged Indian obstruction, calling for concrete government intervention to address farmers’ and entrepreneurs’ problems.
Aryal further referenced various past corruption-related cases, including Giri Bandhu Tea Estate, Omni and the wide-body aircraft procurement scandal, saying facts must be made public and accountability ensured on all sides.
Concluding her remarks, she said the Prime Minister should now return from his break and provide answers in Parliament on the country’s pressing issues.
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