Opposition demands direct accountability from Prime Minister on security and land-encroachment issues
Kathmandu, 11 May (H.S.): Nepal’s main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, on Monday boycotted the House of Representatives State Affairs and Good Governance Committee meeting for the second consecutive time, protesting the absence of Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
The committee meeting, scheduled for 11 a.m., was convened to discuss key governance and security-related issues, including the government’s controversial anti-encroachment drives targeting landless settlements, law-and-order concerns, and broader administrative matters.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who also holds the Home Ministry portfolio, was expected to attend the session and respond to questions raised by lawmakers. However, his absence prompted Nepali Congress members to walk out of the meeting.
Speaking after the boycott, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader Åndembé said the committee proceedings held little significance without the Prime Minister’s participation.
“When the Prime Minister is not there, the meeting has no validity. The issues we are raising directly concern the Home Ministry, including settlement clearances and security administration. Since he is both the Prime Minister and Home Minister, we expect answers from him personally,” he said.
Åndembé added that the opposition had repeatedly requested committee chairperson Hari Dhakal to ensure the Prime Minister’s attendance before the meeting was convened. Despite those assurances, the Prime Minister again failed to appear, leading to renewed disruption in committee proceedings.
The boycott reflects growing tensions between the ruling establishment and the opposition, with the Nepali Congress accusing the government of avoiding direct parliamentary accountability on sensitive national issues.
The latest development also highlights increasing political friction surrounding the government’s handling of eviction drives, internal security concerns, and administrative transparency in Nepal.
(With inputs from H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Monday, May 11, 2026 4:33 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Monday, May 11, 2026 4:33 pm | News Categories: India
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