Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Opposition leaders on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Balendra Shah for walking out midway through Monday’s House meeting while President Ramchandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policy and program for the upcoming fiscal year 2026/27.
Speaking at Tuesday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, former Prime Minister and Nepal Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, urged the prime minister to maintain parliamentary decorum. “If the prime minister fails to observe certain norms and decorum, the dignity of Parliament cannot be preserved,” he said.
Dahal also said Nepal’s geopolitical situation demands great wisdom and restraint. “We can move forward only by strengthening the dignity, prestige and role of Parliament,” Dahal added.
Similarly, the leader of the main opposition Nepali Congress (NC) took a swipe at the prime minister for leaving the House while the government’s own policy document was being presented. “In which country in the world does a prime minister walk out midway while his own government’s policy and program is being presented in parliament?” Angdembe said.
He stopped short of directly calling the behaviour disrespectful, suggesting instead that the prime minister may have faced a sudden health problem. “I urge the government to immediately conduct a health examination and inform Parliament if there is any serious deterioration in the prime minister’s health,” he said.
Angdembe also accused the prime minister of displaying arrogance and conduct unbecoming of the office. “Monday’s conduct has hurt public sentiment. The nation’s head has bowed in shame. We feel the dignity and prestige of this House have been stained,” he added.
Likewise, Shram Sanskriti Party (SSP) Chairperson Harka Raj Rai questioned why the prime minister had yet to address Parliament. “Does this government have a prime minister or not? And if it does, should the prime minister not address the House?” he said.
Sampang argued that failing to answer lawmakers’ questions amounted to ignoring the people’s concerns. “Not answering questions is a sign of incompetence. Has our prime minister become unqualified and incapable?” Sampang asked.
