There are media reports that Prime Minister Balendra Shah has agreed to respond to lawmakers’ questions in Parliament. This follows a ruling by Speaker Dor Prasad Aryal directing PM Shah to attend Parliament and address the concerns of lawmakers. Speaker Aryal was previously reluctant to issue such a ruling, facing criticism for favoring the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) rather than acting as an independent speaker. However, he now appears to have agreed to rule on the matter as part of RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s efforts to hold the executive accountable to the legislature.
The executive has so far shown little interest in being accountable to Parliament, arguing that it prefers to work quietly without the political noise of legislative debates. During the session, PM Shah could face tough questions, including inquiries about his past statements regarding the border. A direct Q&A session with the Prime Minister is scheduled for August 26, though his attendance remains uncertain. In a previous Q&A session—which proved disastrous for him—Shah claimed that India had encroached on Nepali land. Opposition lawmakers are demanding an apology and requesting that the statement be removed from the official parliamentary record.
Amid growing rifts with PM Shah, RSP Chairman Lamichhane remains focused on internal party affairs. The RSP has opened applications for its "candidate club" for individuals wishing to contest the upcoming local elections. Lamichhane stated that those who do not join the club will be ineligible for candidate selection. Meanwhile, PM Shah has shown no interest in party affairs.
There are no signs that the Nepali Congress (NC) will resolve its ongoing internal conflicts. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa has pledged to initiate talks with the rival faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba. Deuba, who previously announced his retirement from active politics, is now actively leading his group. Both factions are proceeding toward holding the party’s 15th general convention; if they continue on this trajectory, a party split appears likely.
At the provincial level, government formation remains underway. Bagmati Chief Minister Indra Baniya has resigned from his post, while the newly appointed Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, has successfully secured a vote of confidence.
The Supreme Court has ordered the release of journalist Kishor Shrestha, along with the return of all items seized from his home and office, noting that equipment confiscation from media houses violates constitutional provisions. Shrestha was previously arrested on charges related to the Right to Privacy.
President Ram Chandra Poudel conferred the insignia of Honorary General of the Nepal Army on Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth. This conferral follows a long-standing tradition between Nepal and India, dating back to 1950, of mutually awarding the honorary rank of general to each other's army chiefs. However, Prime Minister Balendra Shah was notably absent from the ceremony.
Within political circles, concerns are growing that Nepal’s 2015 Constitution may be in jeopardy due to wavering commitment from political parties. In informal discussions, cross-party leaders suggest that a systematic campaign is underway against the current constitution. Simultaneously, strategic commentators have expressed concerns over upcoming ambassadorial appointments. Sources familiar with the development indicate that retired army officials are likely to be nominated. The Prime Minister’s team is conducting independent research after the Ministry of Foreign Affairs floated several candidates. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advising political leadership to prioritize retired civil servants and Nepal Army personnel over political figures or independent thinkers.
Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor
