Shahi slams Minister’s clarification on PM’s statement, demands accountability
Shahi said it is highly unusual anywhere in the world for a minister to issue clarifications on behalf of a prime minister’s remarks.
KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) parliamentary leader Gyan Bahadur Shahi has strongly criticized the clarification given by Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal regarding Prime Minister Balen Shah’s recent statement, calling it “regrettable” and “unprecedented” in global political practice.
Speaking during Wednesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Shahi said it is highly unusual anywhere in the world for a minister to issue clarifications on behalf of a prime minister’s remarks.
He argued that such a practice reflects a reversal in normal governmental functioning.
Shahi further stated that the government is “moving in the wrong direction” by allowing a minister to defend or explain the Prime Minister’s controversial remarks, instead of the Prime Minister himself addressing Parliament directly.
He reiterated his claim that Balen Shah’s statement—suggesting that Nepal has encroached upon Indian territory—was a serious political and geopolitical mistake. According to him, the Prime Minister should personally appear in Parliament and correct the statement.
The RPP leader also expressed concern over growing tension in Nepal–India border areas following the remarks, saying that citizens living in border regions are facing unnecessary difficulties and anxiety due to the controversy.
Shahi’s comments add further intensity to the ongoing political debate in Parliament over the Prime Minister’s statement and the government’s handling of the issue.
