Nepalese Parliament Erupts Over PM's Contentious Border Remarks

Nepal's Parliament sessions were disrupted as lawmakers protested against Prime Minister Balendra Shah's claims on border issues. Members demanded Shah's apology and removal of his remarks from records, insisting his statements be fact-based. Tensions rose with demands for evidence and government clarification on the contentious issue with India.

Nepal's Parliament witnessed significant unrest on Monday as lawmakers halted proceedings in protest against Prime Minister Balendra Shah's provocative comments on a border-related issue with India. Those leading the protests called for Shah to issue an apology and demanded the retraction of his statements from official parliamentary documentation.

Opposition parties in the House of Representatives continued to disrupt the session, demanding that Prime Minister Shah either provide evidence for his claims or withdraw them entirely. Gyan Bahadur Shahi, an MP from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, emphasized that any declarations by the Prime Minister should be rigorously factual, given their impact on national and international perception.

The unrest spilled over into the National Assembly, where MPs joined the call for an apology. Ranjit Karna, a prominent member, urged the government to present evidence within 24 hours, or face further actions, including the formation of an investigative committee to delve into how such a statement was issued.

Besides, MPs such as Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire and Ram Kumari Jhakri demanded a formal explanation from the government. The disruption followed Shah's Sunday remarks, which drew swift condemnation from opposition leaders. In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the Prime Minister's comments were in reference to technical assessments regarding boundary issues.

India's Ministry of External Affairs, represented by Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated that India's stance remains unchanged regarding historical border issues and encouraged continued dialogue. Both nations remain committed to addressing these complex issues through mutual dialogue and diplomatic channels.