Prime Minister Balendra Shah is facing criticism from opposition leaders after skipping a parliamentary session and recommending two ordinances to bypass legislative debate.

The tension highlights a growing conflict over democratic accountability in Nepal. Opposition members argue that using executive ordinances to enact laws without parliamentary oversight undermines the core norms of the country's democratic system.

The uproar occurred within the House of Representatives in Kathmandu. Lawmakers expressed frustration over the Prime Minister's absence during the session, which led to a series of walkouts by opposition members.

Critics point to the timing of these moves as particularly concerning, given that the current government is only one month old [1]. The recommendation of two specific ordinances [2] has become the focal point of the dispute, as these measures allow the executive branch to implement rules without the traditional deliberation process of the parliament.

Opposition leaders said the Prime Minister's actions signal a disregard for the legislative branch. They said that bypassing the parliament removes the necessary checks and balances required to maintain a transparent government.

While the Prime Minister's office has not issued a detailed rebuttal to the specific accusations of undermining norms, the atmosphere in the House remains volatile. The walkouts reflect a broader dissatisfaction with the executive's approach to governance during its first few weeks in power.

“Opposition lawmakers stage walkouts after the Prime Minister recommended two ordinances to bypass parliamentary debate.”

The friction between Prime Minister Shah and the House of Representatives suggests an early struggle for power and legitimacy. By utilizing ordinances, which are executive decrees, the administration is attempting to accelerate its agenda, but doing so during its first month of governance risks alienating the legislative coalition and establishing a precedent of executive overreach.