Harka Sampang Questions Purpose of PM Balen Shah’s Mustang Visit

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 24, 2026: Shram Sanskriti Party chair Harka Raj Rai, popularly known as Harka Sampang, has questioned the purpose of Prime Minister Balen Shah’s visit to Mustang, arguing that the prime minister cannot entirely separate personal travel from the responsibilities of his public office.

Speaking during Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Sampang said the prime minister’s position comes with responsibilities that continue even during private movements.

‘A Prime Minister Does Not Have a Private Life’

Sampang questioned reports that Prime Minister Shah had travelled to Mustang for a private visit.

He argued that the prime minister remains accompanied by state security mechanisms and that government resources and security arrangements are automatically involved during such travel.

Sampang therefore questioned why the trip was not communicated to the Cabinet and Parliament.

‘What Did He Go to Mustang For?’

Sampang demanded an explanation about the purpose of the visit.

He questioned whether the Prime Minister had travelled to Mustang for a specific personal or official reason and said the Prime Minister should provide an explanation to Parliament.

His remarks came after the Prime Minister’s Office stated that Shah’s Mustang visit was private.

Sampang Raises Flood and Land Concerns

Sampang also used the parliamentary session to highlight ongoing problems caused by floods and river erosion.

He referred to river erosion in Sunsari, saying hundreds of hectares of cultivable land had been affected by the Koshi River.

He also questioned who holds the authority to operate the gates controlling water flow and called on the government to take stronger action to protect Nepali territory and farmland.

Calls for Changes in the Health Sector

Sampang also called for the removal of the two-day holiday arrangement in the health sector, arguing that healthcare services should remain accessible to citizens.

He also raised concerns about the impact of casinos in Jhapa and Birtamod, saying reports of residents suffering financial and household problems because of gambling activities require government attention.

Questions Government’s Approach to Cooking Fuel

Sampang further raised the continuing problem of LPG gas shortages, saying citizens had not yet received adequate relief.

He asked the government to clarify whether encouraging people to purchase induction cookers was part of its broader plan to reduce dependence on cooking gas.