Nepal PM Balen Shah’s mid-speech Parliament exit: Protest, protocol breach or political message?

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah has come under criticism after he briefly exited the Parliament hall while President Ramchandra Paudel was addressing a joint session of the Federal Parliament on Monday.

The controversy also comes days after reports that Shah had declined to meet some foreign envoys over a perceived stature gap, prompting concerns in sections of Nepal’s media that the government’s approach towards established conventions could affect the country’s political and strategic interests.

The latest incident has quickly triggered debate in Nepal, with critics accusing the Prime Minister of undermining democratic institutions and parliamentary decorum.

The joint session was held at the Federal Parliament Building in Singha Durbar after being convened by President Paudel on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. During the session, the President presented the government’s policy and programme for the upcoming financial year 2026/27.

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Critics question PM’s conduct

Nepali writer Kanak Mani Dixit criticised Shah’s behaviour, saying the Prime Minister appeared to show disregard towards Parliament and the presidency.

In a post on social media platform X, Dixit said that Shah’s “walkout midway through the presidential address” and his overall conduct during the session reflected disrespect towards democratic institutions and elected representatives.

Another social media user, Satis Devkota, also questioned the symbolism of the incident. In a post on X, he said that while some may view the exit as a small political gesture, it raised larger questions about respect for institutions in a democratic republic.

PM Secretariat cites health discomfort

However, according to a report by Khabarhub, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat clarified that Shah had briefly stepped out because of health-related discomfort during the programme.

The statement said the Prime Minister took a short rest while President Paudel was presenting the government’s annual policy and programme and later rejoined the session. It also said that his health condition was normal.

Earlier criticism over ordinances

This is not the first time Shah’s government has faced criticism over its handling of parliamentary conventions. Earlier, opposition leaders and analysts accused the government of relying heavily on ordinances while delaying Parliament sessions, despite having strong political backing.

Opposition argued that frequent use of ordinances instead of parliamentary legislation could weaken democratic norms and reduce public trust in Parliament.

Under Nepal’s Constitution, ordinances must be approved by Parliament within 60 days after the House reconvenes, otherwise they automatically become inactive.

During Monday’s session, the government also announced plans to move ahead with constitutional amendments through political consensus and said it would prepare a discussion paper for the process in the coming fiscal year.