KATHMANDU: Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya has said that Prime Minister Balendra Shah is not a person who listens to others or takes advice, describing his decision-making style as highly individualistic.
Speaking to Khabarhub, Acharya said, “Prime Minister Balendra Shah is not someone who operates on the basis of advice or suggestions. He does what he feels is right at that moment and speaks accordingly. He does not require anyone’s advice.”
His remarks come amid ongoing political discussion following Shah’s address at the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Chitwan on Sunday, where the Prime Minister made comments regarding the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), stating that officials could be questioned for up to five years if necessary.
The statement has triggered public debate over its constitutional interpretation and appropriateness.
Acharya further said that policymaking and national decision-making require consultation with experts from different fields to avoid errors, adding that the Prime Minister appears to lack patience in listening to differing opinions.
Meanwhile, political analyst and writer Mumaram Khanal described the Prime Minister’s remarks as objectionable, arguing that the CIAA operates independently under federal law and cannot be summoned arbitrarily.
Journalist Rajendra Baniya also questioned why constitutional body officials reportedly complied with directives from the Prime Minister’s Office, suggesting they should have resisted undue pressure or resigned instead.
However, social activist Durga Chapagain offered a contrasting view, accusing the CIAA of being an institution that often targets those without political access while ignoring larger accountability concerns.
The remarks and counter-remarks have intensified debate on social media regarding constitutional limits, institutional independence, and executive authority.
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