KATHMANDU: A recent social media post by Prime Minister Balen Shah featuring what he described as a “nation-building team” has drawn attention after controversial remarks by one of the ministers in the photograph surfaced online.
On Sunday, the Prime Minister shared a photo with two key ministers—Home Minister Sudan Gurung and Physical Infrastructure and Transport Minister Sunil Lamsal—captioning it as the “nation-building team.”
However, controversy erupted after a video from a road inspection program went viral, showing Minister Lamsal allegedly making aggressive remarks toward a construction contractor.
The incident took place during an on-site inspection of the under-construction Nagdhunga–Muglin road section, where Minister Lamsal was accompanied by Chief District Officer of Dhading, Laxmi Pandey, and security officials.
During the inspection, the minister reportedly instructed officials to locate a contractor responsible for relocating electricity poles and used strongly worded language, suggesting that the contractor should be punished if work was delayed.
In the viral footage, Lamsal is heard saying that contractors failing to complete work should be “dealt with strictly,” including remarks that have been widely criticized for being threatening in tone.
Officials present at the site, including security personnel, were seen accompanying the minister during the inspection.
Observers noted that the minister’s language echoed earlier campaign-style statements made by Prime Minister Balen Shah during the election period, when he had spoken about taking strict action against contractors to accelerate development projects.
While the minister also emphasized the need to expedite road construction and ensure smooth relocation of electricity infrastructure, critics argue that such aggressive rhetoric from public officials raises concerns about governance style and accountability.
Authorities have yet to issue an official clarification regarding the video, which continues to circulate widely on social media.
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