Four and a half months on, Shah government faces questions over governance
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s government is facing mounting criticism over its governance style, with opponents accusing it of bypassing Parliament, relying on social media for major announcements and weakening institutional accountability. Controversies over ordinances, tax policy, border remarks and the delayed response to communal violence in Madhesh have deepened scrutiny.
Key Points
- Critics say the Shah government is sidelining democratic institutions by announcing major decisions on social media and through executive channels instead of Parliament.
- The government faced backlash over a tax on private education and healthcare, later withdrawn after Shah announced its scrapping on Facebook before Cabinet approval.
- Its delayed response to communal violence in Sunsari and neighbouring districts drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and constitutional experts.
- Shah’s remarks in Parliament on Nepal’s border disputes with India sparked diplomatic controversy and demands that he clarify his position in the House.
