Prime Minister Balen Shah's Parliamentary Conduct Sparks Debate

During the joint session of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly, President Ram Chandra Paudel was presenting the government's policy and program when Prime Minister Balen Shah's dress code and his act of walking out created widespread debate on both the parliament and social media. Similarly, when Prime Minister Shah was also absent from the discussion on the government's policy and program, MPs obstructed the parliamentary proceedings.< /p>

For the governance of the state, there is the constitution, and beyond that, there are certain values, dignity, traditions, and practices. Every generation embraces these traditions as a glorious history and continues them. In a democracy, position and power may be temporary, but the dignity of the institution must be permanent.< /p>

The behavior of individuals holding high positions in state governance determines not only current politics but also the political culture of future generations. Therefore, the expression, behavior, and decisions of individuals in public office must always be dignified and responsible.< /p>

Democracy is not just a system of governance; it is also faith in that system of governance. Change does not mean destroying traditions, practices, culture, and institutional values; it means preserving them and refining and advancing them with time.< /p>

The foundation of democracy rests on accountability, dialogue, and mutual respect. Public questions, media curiosity, and opposition criticism are not weaknesses of democracy; they are the heartbeats of democracy. It is natural for questions to arise, but running away from them is not in line with democratic culture.< /p>

The Prime Minister should not run away from questions but should continue the practice of facing every question, engaging in dialogue, and clearly stating his views. Strong leadership should not be afraid of criticism. Instead, it should be embraced as an opportunity for improvement and self-evaluation.< /p>

Leaving the ongoing session in the parliament building midway, and the other side questioning why he left; one group demanding the Prime Minister speak in parliament and the other saying he will not speak, the situation and conflict have raised questions about parliamentary practice and democratic culture itself. Such political conflict and an atmosphere of distrust are increasing concerns that the lives of the people and the future of the country are being pushed towards uncertainty.< /p>

Learning the country's traditions, practices, and parliamentary dignity is not a weakness; rather, seeking to learn about them is a sign of maturity in personality.< /p>

When King Birendra returned to Nepal after completing his studies in Britain, it was rumored that he had difficulty speaking Nepali fluently. But he learned, and later, when he gave messages to the nation, everyone felt like listening. Similarly, in the early days, Indian Congress (I) leader Sonia Gandhi was not comfortable giving public speeches in Hindi. Despite the taunts of opponents, she did not stop learning the language and later established herself as a leader capable of effectively communicating in Hindi in public gatherings and with journalists.< /p>

If our Prime Minister feels difficulty interacting, speaking, and answering questions in public places, practice can bring improvement to such difficulties. There are ample resources available today on Google and YouTube on how to give interviews, speeches, and answer questions. One can learn from them as well.< /p>

Why should I speak? It is not enough to say that I believe in results. Effective and dignified communication is considered an important quality among the many qualities of skilled leadership. The responsibility of his advisors is not just to formulate political strategies but also to train the Prime Minister in public communication, speech art, answering questions, and parliamentary etiquette. Because he still has a long political journey ahead.< /p>

When attending formal state events or meeting heads of state or government during foreign visits, how to communicate, how to walk, what to wear, and what body language to adopt—all these convey diplomatic messages.< /p>

Although these matters may seem small from the outside, they are linked to the leader's maturity, confidence, and the nation's image. Similarly, the tradition of respectfully welcoming guests who come to represent the country from abroad is equally important. Diplomacy should not be based on stunts, impulse, or display; because such behavior can leave a deep and lasting negative impression on the international community.< /p>

No one is omniscient. One must learn things one does not know. There is no reason to be afraid or feel inferior about this. Even the world's great leaders have the practice of preparing speeches and listing potential questions before formal events and practicing them, and this is considered normal and natural.< /p>

It may not be necessary to answer all questions all the time. When time is short or in a hurry, one can start a dialogue by saying that only two or three questions can be taken. It is not necessary to give long answers to all questions. Short, clear, and dignified answers show the leader's maturity. If a question arises about a ministry's subject, it can be said that the concerned minister will provide a detailed answer. Or, if it is not appropriate to answer a question immediately, one can adopt a style like, 'Your question is good and timely; the government is considering this matter or working on it; we will provide detailed information through a press conference at an appropriate time.'< /p>

Instead of practicing such easy and democratic dialogue, why continue to engage in debate and conflict over whether it is necessary to speak with the opposition? There is still much work to be done in the interest of the country and the people. If we remain entangled in this dispute and tension, the hopes and expectations of the people will gradually weaken.< /p>

It is natural and positive for democracy that discussions arise on social media and in the public sphere regarding actions taken by the Prime Minister of a government with a two-thirds majority, such as issuing ordinances or recommending the fourth-ranked judge for Chief Justice. However, the Prime Minister's dress code during the reading of the policy and program, the walkout, and the debate over whether an answer is necessary have become the center of unnecessary controversy. The head of government must stay away from creating controversies over trivial matters himself.< /p>

Maintaining peace, stability, and social harmony along with development during one's tenure also falls within the leader's responsibilities. We must not forget one thing: if the need arises to use force to maintain peace and order due to the leadership itself, it will ultimately be seen as a weakness of the leadership, not the strength of a two-thirds majority. Therefore, to minimize such situations as much as possible, dialogue, discussion, and strategic action plans are necessary.< /p>

The country needs leadership like Balen Shah. If change is to happen, he can do it; it is not possible by others—this is the understanding of the general public and my personal understanding as well. The public has expectations of him for a change in the conditions for living, and that process is slowly moving forward. Therefore, instead of getting entangled in minor disputes and impulses, it is necessary to adopt a restrained behavior and diplomatic style. Bringing the long-standing convoluted state system, institutional weaknesses, and disorder under the rule of law is the biggest challenge right now.< /p>

The great trust of the Nepali people is in this leadership. Only if one can rise above anger, impulse, and personal prestige and focus on the long-term national interest can change be sustainable. In this process, the role of the Prime Minister's advisors is also extremely important.< /p>

The expectation of the Nepali people is not conflict, but results. The Nepali people expect a patient, restrained, and dignified leadership like 'Ram' from Prime Minister Balen Shah, rather than the aggressive role that Lakshman sometimes showed in the Ramayana.