KATHMANDU: During a meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee, the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has committed to facilitating the presence of Prime Minister Balendra Shah in the parliamentary question-and-answer session.
The commitment came after opposition parties strongly demanded that the Prime Minister must attend the question hour in line with provisions in the House Rules. RSP Chief Whip Kabindra Burlakoti assured that efforts would be made to bring the Prime Minister to Parliament soon.
The House Rules require a direct question-and-answer session between the Prime Minister and lawmakers during the first week of a parliamentary session.
Opposition parties have been obstructing parliamentary proceedings over the issue, insisting on the Prime Minister’s presence. They had earlier warned that Tuesday’s session would also be disrupted if he did not appear.
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Chief Whip Yubaraj Dulal said the opposition is firm on enforcing the rules-based provision of PM’s question hour and has demanded a fixed date for the Prime Minister’s appearance in Parliament.
“We have clearly stated that the Prime Minister must participate as per the mandatory provision in the rules. Otherwise, the session should be postponed to create an environment for his participation,” Dulal said.
He added that opposition parties also want the upcoming budget presentation on Jestha 15 to proceed in a peaceful manner without disruption.
According to Dulal, although RSP’s chief whip has expressed commitment to bring the Prime Minister, no specific date has been set.
“He said he would talk to the government within two hours and respond, but could not give a clear timeline. We need a fixed date, not just assurances,” he said.
Opposition parties have also demanded that parliamentary sessions be postponed until the Prime Minister confirms his participation in the question hour.
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