Nepal PM triggers controversy in his maiden appearance in Parliament
International 31 May, 2026

Nepal PM triggers controversy in his maiden appearance in Parliament

Business To Business, Kathmandu, 31st May, 2026:  Balendra Shah made his first appearance in Nepal's Parliament on Sunday since the current session began on May 11, responding to lawmakers' questions after facing sustained pressure from opposition parties.
Shah, who assumed office in March, appeared before the House of Representatives of Nepal after opposition legislators repeatedly demanded his presence. Earlier in the month, opposition parties had disrupted parliamentary proceedings on several occasions and even boycotted the House once, insisting that the prime minister answer questions in person.
His appearance, however, sparked controversy over remarks related to the long-running border dispute between Nepal and India.
While addressing questions on the issue, Shah discussed competing claims regarding the disputed areas of:

  • Kalapani
  • Lipulekh
  • Limpiyadhura
He also stated that Nepal and India had agreed to involve historians, surveyors, and technical experts in efforts to resolve the dispute through evidence-based examination of historical records and maps.
The boundary issue remains a sensitive subject in Nepalese politics. Nepal claims the disputed territories based on its interpretation of historical treaties and maps, while India maintains that the areas are part of Uttarakhand and has consistently advocated resolving the matter through bilateral dialogue.
The controversy surrounding Shah's remarks has added a political dimension to his long-awaited parliamentary appearance, which came after weeks of criticism from opposition lawmakers over his absence from the House.

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