KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has strongly criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah over his controversial remarks on Nepal–India border issues, describing the statement as anti-national and demanding an apology in Parliament.
Addressing a provincial-level party program organized by the Nepali Congress Policy, Research and Training Academy in Manigram, Rupandehi, Thapa said the Prime Minister’s claim that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory was unacceptable and harmful to national interests.
He said such statements undermine Nepal’s sovereignty, dignity and long-standing diplomatic position on border issues.
“If the Prime Minister has spoken without understanding, it is worrying; if he has spoken knowingly, it is even more dangerous,” Thapa said, adding that the remarks had lowered the dignity of the Nepali people.
Thapa further demanded that Prime Minister Shah immediately appear in Parliament, withdraw his statement and issue a public apology.
He also stressed that the opposition has a constitutional responsibility to hold the government accountable and said the Nepali Congress would continue to press the issue until the Prime Minister corrects his remarks.
He also urged voters to question lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party who reportedly applauded Prime Minister Balen Shah’s controversial remarks on Nepal-India border issues inside Parliament.
NC President also strongly objected to the passage of the House of Representatives Regulations, calling it a “dark day in parliamentary history.” He indicated that the party may consider legal action if the Speaker and ruling side do not reconsider the process.
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