MP slams absence of FM, raises Madhesh neglect in budget talks

KATHMANDU: Tensions surfaced in Parliament during discussions on budget priorities after a ruling coalition lawmaker voiced strong dissatisfaction over the absence of Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and what he called a departure from established governmental practice.

Speaking during the deliberations, MP Amresh Singh expressed frustration, arguing that the traditional process of budget discussions—typically attended by the finance minister—had been disregarded.

“Instead of breaking traditions in the name of change, everything is being dismantled,” Singh said. “There is a system where the finance minister is present during budget priority discussions. The foreign minister does not prepare the budget. For the first time in two decades, I am seeing such a discussion without the finance minister.”

He further warned against what he described as the weakening of institutional norms under the current administration led by Prime Minister Balen Shah, suggesting that key governance structures should not be altered without accountability.

Singh also raised concerns over what he termed the government’s failure to prioritize Madhesh despite significant electoral support from the region.

“I had expected a dedicated package for Madhesh. This government also carries responsibility toward Madhesh,” he said. “Madhesh has given the highest votes in both direct and proportional systems. The region is in a state of unrest. Address it before it escalates. There is no representation in power or appointments. The state cannot be run like this.”