KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah is facing mounting criticism over his silence as clashes between police and protesters continue in several districts, five days after tensions first erupted in Sunsari and spread across Koshi and Madhesh provinces.
While former King Gyanendra Shah, President Ram Chandra Paudel and leaders of several political parties, including the opposition, have publicly appealed for restraint and calm, the Prime Minister has so far limited his response to a statement on social media without issuing an official government address.
The absence of a formal response from the government has drawn criticism, with questions being raised over the Prime Minister’s handling of the crisis.
During a meeting with lawmakers from Koshi and Madhesh on Thursday, several members of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) also reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the response of both Prime Minister Shah and Home Minister Sudan Gurung.
Political observers have argued that the government’s failure to convene an all-party meeting or address the nation has contributed to growing public concern as tensions continue to escalate.
Political analyst CK Raut said the Prime Minister should have addressed the nation and initiated dialogue much earlier. “The country’s chief executive has yet to speak on the incident. Neither has he convened an all-party meeting nor addressed the nation. These were steps the Prime Minister himself should have taken,” Raut told Khabarhub.
He urged the Prime Minister to immediately address the nation and take necessary measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
Several RSP lawmakers have also called on the Prime Minister to deliver a national address and convene an all-party meeting to help restore public confidence and ease tensions.
National Security Council urges dialogue
Five days after the violence began, the Prime Minister convened a meeting of the National Security Council.
According to a minister who attended the meeting, participants stressed that the sensitive situation in Kaptanganj, Sunsari, should be resolved through dialogue and negotiations.
“The consensus at the meeting was that the Home Minister should travel to Sunsari. Following that discussion, the Prime Minister decided to send him there,” the minister said, adding that participants also expected the Prime Minister to publicly communicate the government’s position.
Following the meeting, Prime Minister Shah and Home Minister Gurung held further discussions before Gurung and several ruling party lawmakers prepared to travel to Sunsari.
Opposition demands Prime Minister’s response
Opposition parties have also intensified pressure on the government.
Leader of the Nepali Congress Parliamentary Party Bhishmaraj Angdembe accused the government of adjourning the House of Representatives after opposition lawmakers demanded an explanation from the Prime Minister over the unrest.
During Thursday’s parliamentary session, opposition parties called on Shah to respond to the escalating violence. Shortly afterward, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal adjourned the meeting, prompting criticism from opposition lawmakers.
CPN-UML Chief Whip Ain Mahar also alleged that the House meeting was suspended after lawmakers demanded the Prime Minister’s response to the crisis.
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