Prime Minister Balen Responds to Parliamentary Questions at Rastriya Swatantra Party’s General Convention

Prime Minister Balen Shah, addressing the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (Raswapa) general convention, urged that his patriotism not be questioned amid the border dispute and expressed readiness to seek evidence wherever necessary. He emphasized his willingness to engage with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) for up to five years if required to investigate past misappropriation of government assets and irregularities. Claiming his party’s developmental stance, he stressed the importance of uncovering the roots of any previous government property misuse. (7 Ashar, Chitwan)

Responding to questions raised by opposition MPs in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Balen addressed these issues for the first time at Raswapa’s inaugural general convention. Following controversy sparked by his statements on the border dispute, parliamentarians demanded clarification. While Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal previously provided explanations on the PM’s behalf, today at the convention, the Prime Minister himself took up the matter and offered his replies.

He stated, “The issue of the border dispute arose here. We possess evidence and discussions will be based on those facts. We are not seeking mediation. If evidence is lacking, we will endeavor to obtain it directly.”

Prime Minister Shah appealed for trust in his patriotism: “No one should doubt my nationalism.” He also affirmed his readiness to physically investigate Nepal’s border areas if necessary to find proof. He spoke about recent interrogations of CIAA officials, emphasizing a thorough investigation of past irregularities. “If needed, I am prepared to engage with the CIAA not just for five hours but for five years to seek guidance,” he said, warning of initiatives against misuse of government property.

Addressing the convention, he declared, “We do not act outside the law. Our party is developmental and action-oriented. We are not here to exact revenge for old grievances, but it is essential to investigate any past violations and exploitations of state assets.”