Prime Minister Balen Shah’s Parliamentary Remarks Spark Controversy, Calls for Resignation and Clarification

Prime Minister Balendra Shah Balen has become the focal point of controversy along with his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), following his maiden speech in the House of Representatives. His comments during Sunday’s session, responding to questions about the Nepal-India border dispute, have ignited debate and criticism. While addressing the parliament, Shah stated, “You may be surprised, but I only realized after becoming Prime Minister that not only has India encroached on Nepalese land in many areas, but Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory in several places. This has come to light recently, and therefore both countries are considering studies to resolve the disputed areas.”

Following these remarks, opposition members raised objections within the parliament. The Prime Minister’s statement has also become a major topic of discussion and dissent across social media and the press.

In response to the escalating controversy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement titled “Response to Media Queries Regarding the Honorable Prime Minister’s Statements on Nepal-India Border Relations.” The spokesperson clarified that the Prime Minister’s remarks fundamentally concerned “Dashgaja encroachment and cross-border occupation” issues. According to the spokesperson, “When demarcating the Nepal-India border, a fixed boundary principle was adopted in riverine areas, resulting in residents of one country engaging in agricultural or residential activities on land technically belonging to the other country.” The technical assessment showed that some land currently used by Nepal might lie on the Indian side of the border, and likewise, some land used by India might be within Nepalese territory. The Prime Minister’s reference in parliament to “certain places where Indian territory may lie on the Nepal side” pertains to this technical reality and cross-border occupation concerns.

After the Prime Minister’s initial parliamentary remarks were deemed “incorrect,” there have been demands for his resignation, calls for a formal apology, and skepticism about whether he misspoke. Former Foreign Minister and RSP leader Kamal Thapa expressed that Shah’s statements “shocked and surprised the entire nation.” Thapa urged the Prime Minister to rectify the exaggerated and inaccurate claims immediately. He emphasized, “Although there are some border disputes, Nepal has not encroached upon or occupied Indian territory. Our firm stance is that Nepal must not violate its neighbors’ borders. If the Prime Minister believes Nepal has encroached on India’s territory, he must present evidence promptly and take swift action to correct the mistake by returning the land to India.”