Kathmandu, May 20, 2026 — Tensions in Nepal’s House of Representatives escalated as the opposition Shram Sanskriti Party pressed for Prime Minister Balendra Shah to appear in Parliament, while Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal warned lawmakers for protesting inside the chamber.
The Shram Sanskriti Party, led by Harka Raj Rai (also known as Harka Sampang), has repeatedly staged demonstrations during parliamentary sessions, carrying placards and demanding answers from the government after the prime minister has repeatedly missed sittings since the government presented its plans and policies earlier this month.
At the opening of Wednesday’s House meeting Rai and other party members stood in protest, prompting Speaker Aryal to invoke Rule 30 of the House of Representatives Rules 2079 BS and caution MPs to stop behaviour he described as undermining the dignity of the House.
Opposition lawmakers counter that the government is dodging accountability by failing to respond to matters raised during zero-hour and special time discussions. They cite Rule 15 of the parliamentary regulations, which guarantees members the right to raise urgent public issues and requires the responsible minister to reply within seven days. The Shram Sanskriti Party says ministers have often been absent, avoided answering directly, or sent substitutes, leaving serious public concerns unaddressed.
Rai listed issues the party has repeatedly sought answers on — from border disputes and inflation to compensation for cooperative victims and the sources of payments — and said the protests would continue until the government demonstrates responsibility to the legislature. He urged Speaker Aryal to issue a formal direction compelling the prime minister and ministers to attend House sessions and respond to lawmakers’ questions as required by the rules.
The dispute highlights a deepening rift between smaller opposition parties seeking enforcement of parliamentary procedures and the Speaker’s efforts to maintain order amid disruptive protests. (Source: ANI)
