Kathmandu: The ongoing deadlock in Parliament over Prime Minister Balendra Shah's controversial statement regarding the Nepal–India border remains unresolved, with opposition parties continuing to demand that the Prime Minister personally clarify his remarks in the House.

The controversy stems from a statement made by Prime Minister Shah in Parliament suggesting that Nepal had also encroached on certain areas of India. Opposition parties have described the statement as serious and sensitive, arguing that it concerns issues of national sovereignty and foreign relations and therefore requires a direct explanation from the Prime Minister.

In an effort to break the parliamentary impasse, an all-party meeting was convened at Singha Durbar on Monday. Following the meeting, ruling Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Ravi Lamichhane said that Prime Minister Shah would not be able to attend Parliament immediately. Instead, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is scheduled to provide the government's official response in Parliament.

Lamichhane stated that if further clarification becomes necessary after the Foreign Minister's response, he himself would also be prepared to address Parliament on behalf of the ruling party.

However, opposition leaders rejected the proposal, maintaining that only the Prime Minister can adequately answer questions regarding a statement made from the parliamentary rostrum.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, CPN (UML) Chief Whip Ain Bahadur Mahar said that the opposition is prepared to allow Parliament to function but only after the Prime Minister addresses the issue directly. He argued that the statement should also be removed from the official parliamentary record.

"We have no desire to obstruct Parliament," Mahar said. "Important issues, including the budget, need to be discussed. However, a statement of this nature made by the Prime Minister in Parliament requires a direct response from him. The Prime Minister should come to the House, clarify his remarks, and take responsibility for the statement."

According to Mahar, RSP President Lamichhane informed the meeting that the matter would be discussed within the ruling party and that the Foreign Minister would first respond in Parliament. However, opposition parties maintained that a response from anyone other than the Prime Minister would be insufficient.

The all-party meeting also included a briefing by Lamichhane on his recent visit to India, where he discussed diplomatic engagements and bilateral relations with Indian leaders.

Despite discussions, no agreement was reached on reopening parliamentary proceedings. Opposition parties continued to insist that the Prime Minister's clarification remains a precondition for ending the obstruction, while the ruling side maintained that the government would respond through the Foreign Minister.

As a result, efforts to resolve the parliamentary stalemate ended without a breakthrough.