Prime Minister Balendra Shah was absent during the discussion on the fiscal year 2083/084 policy and program, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and members of parliament. Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle responded to questions regarding the policy and program in the Prime Minister’s absence, but the parliamentary hall appeared largely empty. Constitutional expert Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya emphasized that it is mandatory, not optional, for the Prime Minister to be present in parliament and respond to inquiries, as per constitutional obligations. (31 Baisakh, Kathmandu)
“Lochanabhyam viheenasya darpanah kim karishyati” — this phrase, quoted by Nepali Congress leader Arjun Narasingh KC during the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, translates to “What use is a mirror without eyes?” It reflected KC’s criticism of the policy and program debate being conducted without Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah. After the Prime Minister delegated the responsibility of answering questions to the Finance Minister, Harakraj Rai, chairman of the Labor Culture Party, commented, “One cannot send others as grooms to their own wedding.”
The search for the Prime Minister extended beyond the House of Representatives to the National Assembly as well. Mahanta Thakur, guardian of the Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal, remarked, “During the Ashoji session, he (the Prime Minister) seemed to be rushing through like an apprentice. Maybe he wouldn’t be noticed if he wore a cap. Is the apprentice actually the PM? Probably not, but it certainly looks like it.” Indeed, the absence of Prime Minister Balen in parliament attracted more attention than the policy and program itself.
By the time Prime Minister Shah entered his residence, it was almost 7 PM. He had also missed the meeting on 31 Baisakh. Sources indicate he spent most of his time at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. In his absence, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle addressed the questions raised about the policy and program. According to Rule 38 of the House of Representatives Rules, 2079, questions related to the policy and program must be answered by the Prime Minister or a designated minister in his absence.
Constitutional scholar Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya stated, “When the Prime Minister neglects parliament, it is like disregarding one’s own birthplace. Attendance, speaking, and responding in the assembly are not optional but compulsory.” Experts note that abstaining from discussions and not answering raised questions sends a message that the government does not take ownership of its policy and program.
Leader Arjun Narasingh KC’s quoted verse from the assembly is incomplete. The preceding phrase is: “Yasya nasti swayam pragya shastram tasya karoti kim,” meaning “For a person who lacks wisdom or discernment, scriptures do nothing.” Following that is “Lochanabhyam viheenasya darpanah kim karishyati,” meaning “What use is a mirror without eyes?” This highlights that a person without intellect or judgment cannot benefit from guidance.
