RPP & RSP to boycott PM Oli’s parliament address

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to address the House of Representatives today at 1 PM, on the eve of his high-profile visit to China. The address is expected to focus on his upcoming diplomatic engagements and key national issues.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to lead a Nepali delegation to China on Saturday, responding to an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit. Following the China visit, he is also expected to travel to India as part of his regional diplomatic itinerary.

During today’s parliamentary address, the Prime Minister is anticipated to brief lawmakers on the objectives of his visits to the two neighboring countries.

Additionally, the government’s official stance on the recently highlighted Lipu Lek-Kalapani border dispute may also be disclosed.

However, the address is likely to face boycott from major opposition parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).

Both parties have maintained their parliamentary obstruction, demanding the resignation of the Home Minister over the recent misuse of visit visas.

RSP spokesperson Manish Jha clarified that reports suggesting the party might allow the Prime Minister to speak are “baseless,” stating, “Our obstruction continues, and we will not sit through the PM’s address as our demands have not been met.”

Similarly, RPP vice-chair Dhurva Bahadur Pradhan confirmed that the party’s boycott decision remains unchanged, saying, “No new decision has been taken regarding the Prime Minister’s address. The boycott will continue.”