KATHMANDU: The main opposition Nepali Congress has demanded that Prime Minister Balen Shah be directed by the Speaker to attend the House of Representatives.

Speaking during the meeting’s special hour, Whip Nischal Rai urged the Speaker to issue a ruling to ensure the Prime Minister’s presence, criticizing his continued absence during discussions on the government’s policy and programme.

Rai said the Prime Minister was not present even as the House was scheduled to receive responses on questions raised over the policy and programme, calling it a disregard for parliamentary dignity.

He noted that although the Prime Minister was initially listed to respond to the policy and programme debate, he will not do so. Instead, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle will respond on behalf of the government.

Rai also reminded that it is customary for the Prime Minister to answer questions on the government’s policy and programme in Parliament.