Congress to block Parliament over PM’s controversial remark
Rai also challenged the prime minister to clarify his claim that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory, demanding detailed information on the alleged land in question.
KATHMANDU: The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has said it will not allow parliamentary proceedings to move forward unless Prime Minister Balen Shah withdraws his controversial statement regarding Nepal and India’s territorial issues.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Monday, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Nishkal Rai said the prime minister’s remarks had embarrassed not only lawmakers but also the wider Nepali public.
“While speaking in Parliament today, I feel my head bowed in shame,” Rai said. “The statement made by the prime minister yesterday, with great confidence, has lowered the heads of not just mine but of all Nepali citizens. Such a remark has now become part of the parliamentary record. Until it is withdrawn, we cannot cooperate in running the House.”
Rai also challenged the prime minister to clarify his claim that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory, demanding detailed information on the alleged land in question.
“The prime minister must inform Parliament exactly where Nepal has encroached on India’s land,” he said. “We need an account of every inch. If India were to demand the return of that land tomorrow, which territory would Nepal hand back?”
The Nepali Congress lawmaker further criticized ruling coalition lawmakers for applauding the prime minister’s remarks in Parliament, arguing that they too should reflect on the implications of the statement.
“Members of the ruling side applauded enthusiastically. They should also feel some sense of regret,” Rai said.
