Republic Day: Concerns Raised as Prime Minister Balendra Shah Does Not Speak, Signaling Possible Disarray in the Republic
Photo Source, PMO
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Two prominent leaders of the republic and citizen movements express concern that Prime Minister Balendra Shah may be deviating and moving in the opposite direction. What are the reasons?
Every year on Jestha 15, Republic Day is celebrated with great enthusiasm at the military stage in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, with distinguished personalities from the state in attendance.
Representatives from foreign embassies in Nepal are also invited to speak at the event, and traditionally, the Prime Minister delivers the address.
This time, however, it has been decided that the President will address the gathering instead of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
“The Honorable President is scheduled to arrive at Tundikhel at 8:45 AM on Friday,” disclosed Kirann Pokharel, communications officer for the President, “From there, the President will address all Nepali brothers and sisters.”
According to the government’s request, President Ram Chandra Paudel will deliver the speech.
The announcement that Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) will not address the Republic Day event, breaking tradition, has left many in surprise.
King Mahendra, Prime Minister Balen, and Three Causes for Concern
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Krishna Pahadi, a leading activist of the 2062/63 Citizen Movement who played a critical role in elevating the people’s movement to a higher level, is a staunch republican.
He has started to harbor doubts about the Prime Minister for three reasons.
“Either as a sign of impatience or something symbolic — when the President kept speaking, he got up and walked away. It violated parliamentary decorum. Secondly, he did not speak on Republic Day,” Pahadi explains, “Thirdly, he hesitates to speak in parliament, where the executive branch’s shadow looms over the organized setup.”
He interprets that the Prime Minister not only dominates the executive but also reduces other ministers to puppets.
Pahadi suggests the judiciary must be vigilant to prevent the executive branch from intimidating it, as a monopoly of executive power within the government and parliament risks steering the country toward a guided democracy.
“There was a time when King Mahendra would wear military attire to receive foreign heads of state, but later switched to traditional attire like Daura Suruwal,” says civil rights activist Pahadi. “Some worry whether this kind of militaristic obsession might be awakening in Balendra Shah as well.”
He points out that the recent general election gave the people’s endorsement to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (National Independent Party) to work towards good governance.
“Failures and malpractices must be eliminated; everything must comply with the law, but it must not be anti-democratic,” Pahadi urged Prime Minister Balendra, “Do not let the opportunity offered by history be wasted.”
Concerns Over Prime Minister’s Absence From Addressing the Nation
Photo Source, House of Representatives
Shyam Shrestha, a member of the Constituent Assembly and political analyst, was also a leading figure in the second people’s movement and citizen activism.
He believes that now is not an appropriate time to make immediate comments about the government and prime minister.
Yet, according to Shrestha, the Prime Minister’s silence in parliament is a significant event for parliamentary traditions; his absence from the Republic Day speech is another.
“Politically, these are not ordinary events. They are not positive signs for Nepal’s democracy,” he said. There is no doubt about Prime Minister Balendra’s commitment, nor about his party’s commitment.
“It cannot be said he lacks support for the republic, but the Prime Minister must decide what to speak and what not to. A tendency not to speak or a neglect of parliamentary responsibility can be questioned. I see the Prime Minister as someone who speaks less but works more. That is one trait. However, it is important to speak on critical issues,” he added.
Those arguing that, as the representative head of the republic, the President addressing Republic Day is appropriate, consider the government’s decision natural.
Since the government organizes the event, the President’s speech was decided upon based on the government’s recommendation. So why the concerns?
“But since he also has not spoken in parliament, there should be clarity as to whether he must speak or provide reasons for not speaking, or a formal policy should be made on silence,” political analyst Shyam Shrestha said, “The public can understand, ‘Ah, he didn’t say it because of this particular reason.’ This helps in finding solutions and places responsibility on the Prime Minister.”
