May 11, Kathmandu - In a strong protest, the main opposition Nepali Congress has boycotted the second consecutive meeting of the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, citing the absence of Prime Minister Balen Shah.

The Congress criticized the Prime Minister, who also oversees the Home Ministry, for not attending the meeting to address issues such as the eviction of squatters and security arrangements, despite the necessity for accountability.

The meeting was scheduled for 11 a.m. on Monday. However, Congress parliamentary leaders Bishmaraj Angdembe, Niskal Rai, and MPs Arjun Narasingh K.C. and Rekha Kumari Yadav did not attend.

Angdembe, the leader of the Congress parliamentary party, condemned the Prime Minister’s absence, stating, “There is no point in holding the committee meeting without the Prime Minister. We need to hear directly from the Home Minister regarding the squatters and other related issues. Since the Prime Minister is also the Home Minister, if he comes to provide answers, we will attend. Otherwise, we see no reason to participate in a formal discussion or social visit.”

He further mentioned that Committee Chairperson Hari Dhakal was instructed to inform the Prime Minister about the meeting and urge his presence. Despite repeated requests, the Prime Minister did not attend.

“Holding the committee meeting without the Prime Minister is not justifiable. We need accountability from him,” Angdembe emphasized.

As a result of the Prime Minister’s absence, the meeting was disrupted for the second time.