Political parties on Monday obstructed the National Assembly, forcing repeated adjournments over Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks on the Nepal–India border issue made in the House of Representatives a day earlier.

The session was first suspended and, after resumption, lawmakers continued their protest, leading the chair to adjourn proceedings until Tuesday afternoon.

The controversy centres on Shah’s statement during Sunday’s lower house meeting, where he said efforts were underway to resolve border disputes between Nepal and India through diplomatic channels. He also said Nepal had “encroached upon Indian land”, triggering strong objections in the Upper House.

During the meeting, lawmakers demanded that Shah issue a public apology and that an investigation committee be formed.

MP Ram Kumari Jhakri said the prime minister’s remarks were “against national interest” and raised questions over his position on sovereignty. “If Nepal has encroached on the border, whose interest is the prime minister serving? We feel ashamed. Can such a leader defend national integrity?” she said.

She also questioned whether the statement reflected carelessness or intent, adding, “What is the mindset of the prime minister? It does not seem like a simple mistake.”

Congress MP Ranjit Karna called for a formal inquiry into the remarks, asking the government to clarify which areas of Indian territory Nepal had allegedly encroached upon. He said Shah should either provide evidence or publicly apologise. He also pressed for the formation of a parliamentary probe committee.

Nepali Communist Party MP Rajendra Laxmi Gaire questioned the basis of the statement and asked whether it was made to appease India.

As protests continued, National Assembly chair Narayan Prasad Dahal adjourned the House until 1:15pm on Tuesday.