Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ Faces Strong Criticism From Opposition Over Conduct, RSWP Remains Silent
Image source: House of Representatives
The criticism surrounding Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’s’ sudden departure during President Ram Chandra Paudel’s presentation of the government’s policy and program on Monday has sparked extensive debate.
Many have condemned the Prime Minister’s conduct as ‘undignified and contrary to parliamentary decorum’ in social media discussions. Some have granted him the ‘benefit of the doubt,’ assuming unforeseen circumstances.
However, by Tuesday, neither the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSWP) nor the government has issued an official statement regarding the incident. Attempts to contact the Prime Minister’s political advisors and party officials also elicited no response.
Former Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Shivmaya Tumbahamphe, emphasized the need to adhere to parliamentary rules and decorum, stating that the Prime Minister must respect these protocols.
“When the President or others are addressing the assembly, neither the Prime Minister nor MPs should leave their seats abruptly. This parliamentary practice is upheld in many countries worldwide,” she remarked.
Balen Misses Proceedings Twice
Image source: House of Representatives
Prime Minister Shah presented the government’s policy and program to President Ram Chandra Paudel, who read it aloud to Parliament.
However, the Prime Minister did not display the patience to remain seated throughout the President’s reading of the program he himself submitted.
A video of the session published on YouTube shows the Prime Minister present for only 55 minutes, after which his seat is visibly empty.
Image source: House of Representatives
Image source: House of Representatives
After an hour, the Prime Minister’s seat remained unoccupied, with no footage showing his exit.
Upon completing his address, the President was respectfully escorted out following Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal’s request, despite the session’s adjournment.
The President exited to acknowledgments, but the Prime Minister was absent at that moment as well.
Thanks to President While Balen Is Absent
Image source: RSS
Former Minister of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Nilambar Acharya condemned the Prime Minister’s behavior, calling it a violation of the respect due to the President and Parliament.
“It is extremely serious when the Prime Minister fails to show the expected respect,” Acharya said. “As an elected parliamentarian, if others follow such conduct, the parliament could become desolate.”
Following the joint session, the House of Representatives convened where UML leader Guru Baral raised concerns about the Prime Minister’s conduct, interpreting it as a boycott.
The moment when the Prime Minister placed the table and then exited the session after the President’s address was captured on parliamentary video.
Some lawmakers expressed laughter over the incident, while others showed surprise. Speaker Aryal proposed a vote of thanks to the President, which passed unanimously.
However, the Prime Minister was absent during the vote of thanks.
Deliberate Act or Unintentional?
Image source: RSS
Since his election, the Prime Minister has not formally met the President. Given incidents such as the President returning ordinances for reconsideration, many speculate the Prime Minister may have deliberately exited in protest.
Conversely, some analysts suggest the Prime Minister might be seeking to simply facilitate the resignation process by submitting his resignation.
According to Tumbahamphe, this conduct may not be a personal conflict between leaders but rather a deliberate attempt to show novelty.
“However, aside from policy rules, one cannot leave seat during proceedings without valid reason,” she stressed. “Federal constitution and laws must be observed. If uncertain, seek advice from experienced individuals.”
In Tuesday’s House of Representatives session, the main opposition leader Bhishma Raj Angdembe strongly objected to the Prime Minister’s behavior.
Former Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Nilambar Acharya urged the Prime Minister to acknowledge his mistake and improve his conduct.
“One must accept mistakes and express oneself firmly as necessary,” Acharya said. “The Prime Minister is not just an individual but an institution. Experience does not justify misconduct. Composure and discretion are essential; anger is never appropriate.”
