The Prime Minister is not allowed to be irresponsible

Every political system has certain fundamental principles, which are not always written down. The parliamentary system we have adopted expects and practices the concept of balance of power — or “checks and balances.” Within that framework, the supremacy of the democratically elected parliament is accepted.  It is not merely expected but firmly believed that the Prime Minister, as the leader of political, governmental, and parliamentary wing of the state,  will remain conscious of parliament’s dignity and will not insult, devalue, or abuse  that supreme institution.

Balen Shah  who came to power through elections, riding the wave of mass consciousness, is no exception to these expectations. Whatever he speaks —whether casually, deliberately, or with misplaced  overconfidence — must not stray from facts or create confusion around them. Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen), who has been disrespecting parliament by not attending its sessions, made some  grossly irresponsible and misleading, as well as  meaningless, and some factually baseless remarks on Sunday regarding the border disputes between India and Nepal.

India and Nepal share a unique geographical proximity, which can be made as warm and intimate — or as complex, uncomfortable, and contentious — as one wishes. The reality that one must pass through Nepal to travel across India, and through India to travel across Nepal, has been a shared destiny. Nevertheless, after years of continuous bilateral diplomatic engagement, both governments have stated that agreement has been reached on 98 percent of disputes, with efforts continuing on the remaining 2 percent — through official bilateral mechanism.

Balen’ statement in parliament that “Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory,” and alongside this, suggested that England should also be involved in resolving the dispute. Similarly, the Prime Minister appears confused about the very concept, definition and purpose of “Dashgaja” (the ten-yard strip), otherwise known as “No Man’s Land.”

Making wrong statement is a crime in parliamentary practice.  And they cannot be corrected through social media posts or statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mistakes and carelessness are human traits, but the cost of mistakes made at the level of a Prime Minister can sometimes be enormously high. It is necessary for Balen to immediately clarify his remarks ,
offer an apology from the Floor if the House , and put this matter to rest. Otherwise, despite the mandate he received from the people recently , the tide of people’s  wrath and rejection may turn against him.

 A Prime Minister cannot afford to be irresponsible , deliberately ignorant and  arrogant in a democracy. Choice is Balen’s.