Prime Minister Balendra Shah has recently drawn sharp criticism for his persistent evasion of public and political dialogue. This controversial trend reached a climax during a recent parliamentary session when he staged a ‘walkout’ while President Ramchandra Paudel was presenting the government's policies and programs—ironically, a roadmap his own administration helped draft. Furthermore, established parliamentary precedent dictates that the PM must directly face questions from lawmakers and defend the government’s agenda. Instead, PM Shah chose to deflect this responsibility, shifting the burden to Finance Minister Swornim Wagle.
Remarkably, Shah has not formally addressed the parliament a single time since assuming the high office, nor has he delivered a formal address of gratitude to his voters or party faithful. This calculated distance extends to the media as well, mirroring his past behavior. On the rare occasions he does speak publicly, his remarks are brief and highly guarded. This ongoing reticence has sparked widespread debate across the political spectrum, leaving both the public and parliamentarians to question whether his silence is a manifestation of an introverted personality or a deliberate disregard for democratic institutions.
Action v accountability: The introvert label
The PM’s body language, measured speech and overall demeanor suggest an introverted personality. While introverts naturally prefer to listen rather than speak, individuals holding high public office do not have the luxury of silence. A leader backed by a popular mandate must embody public accountability, fiercely guard citizen rights and remain constantly accessible for constructive dialogue. When answers are demanded, a political leader must provide them with transparency, facts and poise. Paradoxically, PM Shah—who rose to power on a massive wave of grassroots popularity—continues to systematically evade public scrutiny.
This evasion is particularly baffling, given the PM’s background. As a seasoned rap artist, his lyrical sharpness and vocal command are undeniable. Prior to his election as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, his television interviews showcased a sharp, analytical mind capable of delivering compelling, logical arguments. His fiery speeches during the election campaign preceding March 4 captivated the public. Clearly, he does not lack interpersonal or communication skills. Why, then, does the PM continue to avoid the press and the legislature? Who, if anyone, is advising him to remain silent?
The influence of Manmohan Singh and Narsingh Byanjankar
Sources close to PM Shah argue that he is a leader who prefers execution over empty rhetoric. Supporters point to his administrative overhauls and educational reforms during his tenure as Kathmandu's Mayor, asserting that his work speaks louder than any speech. During those mayoral days, citizens could at least witness his governance firsthand through Facebook Live broadcasts of municipal meetings. Beyond that, however, he remained largely inaccessible.
Another circle within his camp claims that the PM’s quiet demeanor is consciously modeled after India’s former PM Manmohan Singh, a leader renowned for his quiet intellect. An academic and economist before entering politics, PM Singh eschewed theatrical political speeches in favor of calm, data-driven arguments. His philosophy was rooted in the belief that “actions speak louder than words,” a trait that defined a decade-long tenure marked by historic economic growth. However, Singh's silence also made him an easy target for the opposition, who frequently labeled him the ‘Silent Prime Minister’. For Singh, silence was also a tactical necessity to maintain stability within a fragile coalition government.
PM Shah is also said to be deeply influenced by the late Narsingh Byanjankar, a legendary independent politician who secured ten consecutive terms as the chair of ward number 10 in Lalitpur Metropolitan City. Byanjankar’s relentless work ethic was historic; he served his community day and night, visiting citizens at their doorsteps to resolve local grievances. Shah has openly revered Byanjankar as his ‘political guru’ and currently employs his son, Kumar Ben (Kumar Byanjankar), as his chief advisor. Observers note that Mayor Shah was profoundly inspired by Byanjankar’s ability to maintain decades of political relevance through pure public service without ever aligning with a major political party.
A departure from mentors
While modeling oneself after leaders like Singh or Byanjankar is commendable, PM Shah’s recent parliamentary conduct aligns with neither. Though Singh was soft-spoken, he never staged an undignified walkout during a speech by the head of state. Similarly, Byanjankar’s decade-long electoral success was built on deep, familial relationships with his constituents. He never shut out his voters or avoided their questions.
In this regard, the PM’s behavior departs sharply from the virtues of his mentors. While he possesses undeniable strengths and did not reach the nation’s highest executive office by accident, his merits are increasingly overshadowed by an obstinate silence and an individualistic attitude.
