Turbulent 62-Day Parliamentary Session Wraps Up Amid Controversy Over Executive Delegation and Rule Changes
As the federal Parliament’s budget session concluded, Prime Minister Balendra Shah faced intense criticism from both opposition and ruling lawmakers for his continuous and conspicuous absence from the House of Representatives. Throughout the 62-day session, which comprised 68 meetings, Shah attended on only six occasions and spoke from the rostrum merely twice, completely bypassing constitutional requirements to remain accountable to Parliament and ignoring regulations mandating monthly question-and-answer sessions with lawmakers. Main opposition Nepali Congress leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe openly voiced frustration over addressing an empty prime ministerial seat, echoing widespread discontent regarding the premier’s failure to answer pressing queries on critical national matters, including Kathmandu Valley squatter evictions, controversial statements on the Nepal-India border, Tarai-Madhesh communal tensions, natural disasters, and foreign visits. Instead of facing the House, Shah frequently delegated his responsibilities to Law Minister Sobita Gautam, while delegating policy and program defense to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, actions that repeatedly sparked opposition boycotts, protests, and accusations of undermining the dignity of both the legislature and the head of state. The turbulent session was further marred by controversy surrounding the expedited passage of House regulations using the ruling majority—a move later partially blocked by the Supreme Court—frequent clashes over points of order, and the expunging of numerous remarks from parliamentary records. Additionally, Speaker DP Aryal reported that fourteen lawmakers missed ten or more consecutive meetings due to diverse reasons ranging from hospitalization and international trips to domestic duties and personal mourning periods. The mounting political friction over executive accountability and legislative decorum highlighted a growing rift between the government and the opposition as the parliamentary session drew to a close at midnight on Friday.
