Why Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Meeting with Opposition Chief Ministers Feels Different
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In an informal discussion held on Thursday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ engaged with five chief ministers from the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML parties, who hold provincial power but are in opposition at the central level. Why did this dialogue feel distinct from traditional political meetings?
Yamalal Kandel, Chief Minister of Karnali Province, noted that although the meeting was informal, the focus on the provinces’ current conditions and experiences made the political dialogue unique.
“We discussed constitutional and legal circumstances, administrative reforms, institutional changes, and ways to promote development and infrastructure within provinces,” said Kandel, who also serves as the secretary of the CPN-UML.
The CPN-UML has publicly accused the government of biased treatment following the arrest of its chairman, KP Sharma Oli.
However, Kandel clarified that disagreements between parties were not part of the discussions. The first meeting allowed an open conversation, putting aside party differences and election results, with the Prime Minister actively participating.
“We didn’t feel compelled to express ‘our party’ versus ‘his party.’ The Prime Minister also appeared not to approach the meeting with political demands for compromise,” Kandel mentioned. “This created a sense of reduced bias between governing and opposition sides from the first meeting.”
Prime Minister Shows a Different Approach
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Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav from Madhesh Province shared that he was initially skeptical, having heard the Prime Minister usually spoke briefly.
“I expected him to speak for just two minutes, but he listened to the five chief ministers for two hours and fifty minutes. He also shared his thoughts and asked questions,” Yadav said with a smile. “He inquired in detail about key areas, how things could be done, and explored topics in depth. It was quite an insightful discussion.”
“We expected him to speak for two to five minutes, but he engaged in thorough dialogue with us. It was a different experience compared to what we had seen,” he said. “I had heard he was usually quiet, but I found our interaction comfortable. The first meeting was positive, respectful, and cordial.”
Chief Ministers observed that the Prime Minister’s public demeanor contrasts with some previous leaders.
“Previously, some prime ministers expressed disagreements during our presentations but mostly emphasized their own points. The Prime Minister patiently listened and kept discussions topic-focused without lengthy speeches,” Kandel of Karnali Province remarked. “He adopts a more measured, listening-first approach. Previously, it was common to speak a lot.”
Yadav of Madhesh said past prime ministers were reluctant to hear about empowering provinces, but Balen prioritized this issue.
“He listened attentively. The current prime minister doesn’t talk excessively but remains responsive. He welcomed constructive comments,” Yadav explained.
Prime Minister’s Active Engagement During Discussions
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During the meeting, Prime Minister Balen was accompanied by members of his secretariat and senior officials.
He was observed to inquire directly with staff on certain topics and issue directives for implementation promptly.
“During the dialogue, he instructed the secretariat to address areas needing improvement immediately. There were occasions where discussions with the secretariat and staff were necessary,” Baniya explained.
Kandel added that while the constitution provides for cooperation, coordination, and coexistence among different levels of government, officials sent by the central government must be accountable to provincial governments. However, many circulars and provincial laws contradict this, causing budget and law enforcement challenges. The Prime Minister acknowledged the need to improve these aspects.
Baniya also highlighted the government’s explanation regarding circulars that restrict provinces from maintaining secretariats, suggesting that creating obstacles would weaken federal government functions.
The Prime Minister requested secretariat members to ensure government advertisements are limited exclusively to official government communication channels.
According to Yadav, the Prime Minister has instructed the Cabinet to meet and decide on resolving local-level issues.
“Like other chief ministers, when I raised issues, he responded thoughtfully and engaged staff with relevant inquiries,” Kandel shared. “This discussion felt open and positive rather than a mere formality.”
Prime Minister’s Issue-Based Focus and Commitment to Collaboration
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According to the chief ministers, the Prime Minister expressed commitment to resolving provincial challenges and prioritizing central government support without political bias.
When Madhesh Chief Minister Yadav raised concerns about reductions in grants or budgets allocated to provinces, the Prime Minister responded, “We will look into it.” He also promised careful study of proposals to distribute revenue based on population.
Moreover, Balen demonstrated strong interest in agriculture and expressed confidence in Madhesh Province’s agricultural potential. He directed the secretariat to focus on immediate results in deep boring, irrigation, and developing agricultural markets, according to Yadav.
Kandel emphasized the expectation that staff sent by the central government should be accountable to provincial governments and that the practice of recognizing only the federal government officially must end. He noted the Prime Minister’s positive stance toward resolving budget and law implementation issues.
Provincial chief ministers raised concerns about personnel promotion and management. Bagmati’s Baniya highlighted issues of staff being posted and recalled according to preferences rather than standard procedures.
“When I told the secretary that they should work in the province for one fiscal year, he said two years would be better,” Baniya shared. “This would strengthen the work environment.”
Chief ministers felt that the Prime Minister came to provincial development and infrastructure topics well-prepared.
Bagmati’s Baniya mentioned that the Prime Minister showed interest in road conditions from Kathmandu’s Farping–Dakshinkali route toward the Terai and the Kulekhani Hydropower Project. When problems arose on the BP Highway used to access Koshi Province, the Prime Minister expressed curiosity about developing this path as an alternative.
“I informed him that the road would be paved within a year, allowing private vehicles to reach Hetauda in two to two and a half hours and public transportation in three hours,” Baniya explained.
Five of the seven provincial chief ministers participated in this dialogue.
It was noted that the Chief Minister of Koshi Province was absent due to mourning, and the Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province was away in India for medical treatment.