CPN-UML lawmaker Pushparaj Kandel has criticized the government over Prime Minister Balen Shah's controversial statement regarding Nepal-India border issues and the arrest of UML Vice Chairman and former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel.

Speaking during Sunday's House of Representatives meeting, Kandel objected to the Prime Minister's remarks made during the parliamentary question-and-answer session on Jestha 17, where Shah reportedly stated that Nepal had also encroached upon Indian territory in several places. According to Kandel, the statement undermines Nepal's national interests and could weaken the country's position in future diplomatic negotiations with India.

He urged the Prime Minister to publicly apologize and demanded that the statement be removed from the official parliamentary record.

Kandel also condemned the arrest of Bishnu Paudel in connection with a money laundering investigation, alleging that the detention was politically motivated and intended to intimidate opposition leaders. He called for Paudel's immediate release.

Additionally, the UML lawmaker questioned reports suggesting that ministers may soon be allowed to appoint up to nine advisors and personal secretaries. If implemented, he argued, such a policy would represent an example of institutionalized corruption.

Kandel further accused the government of protecting real offenders while benefiting middlemen through policy decisions and information leaks related to tax rates. He said such practices undermine transparency, accountability, and public trust in the government.