KATHMANDU, July 14: Prime Minister Balendra Shah returned to the House of Representatives on Tuesday after a 45-day absence, with opposition lawmakers continuing to demand clarification over his controversial remarks on Nepal-India border issues.
Shah had last attended a parliamentary meeting on May 31, when, during a question-answer session with lawmakers, he remarked that "Nepal has also encroached on Indian land." The statement triggered criticism from opposition parties, which have since demanded that he clarify or correct his remarks.
HoR meeting: Oppn’ MPs seek clarification on PM Shah's border r...
Opposition lawmakers have argued that the prime minister’s statement created confusion on a sensitive matter concerning Nepal’s national interest and territorial integrity, urging him to address the issue from the parliamentary floor.
Meanwhile, CPN-UML has sought a ruling from the Speaker, alleging that Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane violated parliamentary procedures while entering the House meeting.
UML lawmaker Ain Mahar said the two leaders breached Rule 20(f) of the House of Representatives Regulations, which bars members from walking between the Speaker’s chair and a lawmaker delivering a speech.
"Rule 20(f) of the House regulations states that no one should walk between the Speaker’s chair and the member who is speaking," Mahar said. "Unfortunately, lawmaker Khusbu Oli was speaking at the time, but the honorable prime minister and the ruling party chair walked through that area, violating the rule. I draw the Speaker’s attention to this matter and demand a ruling."
