Prime Minister Balendra’s Disrespectful Conduct on Special Day in Parliament
April 11, Kathmandu – In parliamentary systems, proceedings are governed by three pillars: law, tradition, and decorum. Accordingly, representatives who appear in parliament are addressed as ‘Honourable.’ Those who secure confidence through a parliamentary majority—be it a Prime Minister, President, or Speaker—are referred to as ‘Respected.’ Security personnel are also tasked with upholding the dignity of the parliament. However, a disconcerting incident took place on Monday in the federal parliament’s joint session. While President Ramchandra Paudel was presenting the government’s policy and program, Prime Minister Balendra Shah abruptly left the meeting midway. It is considered inappropriate parliamentary practice for a Prime Minister to leave during the presentation of a policy program prepared by his own government and delivered by the Head of State.
Former Secretary of the Parliamentary Secretariat, Manohar Prasad Bhattarai, remarked, “In nearly 40 years of my service in parliament, I have never witnessed such behavior. Parliament is a place of dignity and decorum. Violating this undermines parliamentary integrity.” Constitutionally, the President is mandated to present the government’s policy and program in parliament. This presentation takes place annually, guided and scheduled by the government, with the Prime Minister traditionally playing a leading role. Yet, during Monday’s session, Prime Minister Shah failed to maintain respectful conduct toward the President. While President Paudel took one hour and ten minutes to read the speech, Prime Minister Shah left the meeting approximately 15 minutes before the conclusion.
After the policy presentation, Speaker D.P. Aryal instructed MPs to stand in respect. Members of the joint parliament stood to bid farewell to President Paudel, but the Prime Minister’s seat was noticeably empty. Shah returned some time later to the House of Representatives session where he tabled the policy program presented by the President. However, before the vote of thanks to the President was passed, the Prime Minister exited the chamber, leaving the Speaker momentarily puzzled. Some MPs even laughed at the incident, while members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party expressed disapproval at the Prime Minister’s behavior and the cheers supporting it from other MPs, vowing to raise the issue within their party.
Criticism persists that Prime Minister Shah does not prioritize parliamentary activities. This is his second parliamentary session and he has yet to speak in the house. Despite securing nearly two-thirds of parliamentary support in elections held in March, his presence in this representative institution has been minimal. He has not participated in parliamentary committees either. In the previous session, he did not speak and was even absent from the first meeting of the new session, with the Law Minister presenting ordinances on his behalf.
Parliament functions based on traditions, including the special honor accorded to the Head of State, who is escorted to the parliamentary hall with particular respect. This tradition was observed on Monday as well. Parliamentary experts note that the Speaker and Chairperson of the National Assembly typically welcome the President, while the Prime Minister bids farewell. However, Prime Minister Shah did not follow this custom. Former Secretary Bhattarai emphasized, “Not all regulations are written down; upholding traditions and behavior is essential. Respected figures must display special vigilance.” The joint session of the federal parliament symbolizes the constitutional dignity of the state, parliamentary decorum, and democratic tradition.
Opposition parties also voiced objections to the Prime Minister’s conduct. During the meeting convened to pass the vote of thanks, UML MP Guru Baral accused the Prime Minister of insulting the President and violating parliamentary decorum. Chief Whip of the CPN parliamentary party Yubaraj Dulal also condemned the Prime Minister for leaving the session prematurely, making sarcastic remarks. Some view the Prime Minister’s style as a refreshing departure, but it raises questions about its impact on state institutions. Parliamentary democracy is not just about winning elections to become Prime Minister; it requires adherence to discipline, decorum, and responsibility.
Monday’s episode clarifies how seriously the Prime Minister takes constitutional decorum and tradition. The President, elected by parliament, embodies the nation’s dignity, warranting full respect. What message does the Prime Minister’s empty seat during the President’s address send? How does the head of government’s apparent disregard for parliamentary dignity affect ministers, MPs, and civil servants? Leadership behavior defines the character of the system. Why does the Prime Minister treat parliamentary processes lightly? Currently, a trend of opposing tradition in the name of novelty grows in parliament; this, however, is a dangerous signal for democracy. To safeguard the stability and prestige of institutions, certain traditions are indispensable. Parliament, the Head of State, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker are accorded special respect. Nepal is currently facing institutional distrust, chaos, and instability; the young Prime Minister must demonstrate maturity and patience. If the Prime Minister leaves meetings today, what prevents future rejection of the President’s addresses or neglect of constitutional procedures that weaken institutions? The Prime Minister must understand that undermining essential decorum in reforming the system ultimately reflects personal weakness and erodes public trust.