- PM Balen Shah and RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane held a lengthy meeting Wednesday to discuss government ordinances and sensitive political coordination.
- The duo addressed the controversy surrounding lawmaker Khagendra Sunar and discussed possible disciplinary measures following a leaked audio recording.
- Talks highlighted disagreements over Nepal Police leadership, specifically concerning Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki and potential succession plans.
- Foreign affairs and upcoming visits to India were also reviewed, coinciding with the postponement of a scheduled Cabinet meeting.
Kathmandu, Nepal: Prime Minister Balen Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane held lengthy talks at Lamichhane’s residence in Budhanilkantha on Wednesday. According to sources familiar with the meeting, the discussions centered on proposed government ordinances, a controversy involving RSP lawmaker Khagendra Sunar, and issues surrounding Nepal Police Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki.
Shah, accompanied by his chief adviser Kumar Bens, arrived at Lamichhane’s residence in the morning. While the meeting reportedly began around 10:15 a.m. and wrapped up near 2:15 p.m., another account suggested it lasted over five hours. Neither the Prime Minister’s office nor the RSP has publicly disclosed the specific details of their discussion.
Nevertheless, proposed government ordinances were reportedly at the top of the agenda. The two leaders also addressed the recent controversy surrounding an audio recording implicating lawmaker Khagendra Sunar, exploring possible ways to handle the situation. However, the details of the recording, the allegations arising from it, and any disciplinary action under consideration have not been independently verified.
In addition to the Sunar controversy, the leadership of the Nepal Police emerged as a key point of discussion. Sources indicate that Shah and Lamichhane hold differing views regarding Inspector General Dan Bahadur Karki’s position and who should succeed him if he is removed from office.
Specifically, Lamichhane reportedly raised concerns about alleged links between Karki and Inam Sapkota. The exact nature of this connection and the evidence supporting the claims remain unclear, and neither leader has publicly confirmed their stance. Consequently, no decision regarding Karki’s future has been announced.
This issue is expected to gain further traction at a parliamentary subcommittee meeting scheduled for Thursday at Singha Durbar. The subcommittee is set to examine matters related to Karki, including irregularities concerning police uniforms. Whether these findings will prompt administrative action remains uncertain.
Beyond police leadership, the discussions encompassed political appointments and broader administrative decisions. The meeting comes at a critical juncture, as several politically sensitive matters currently require close coordination between the Prime Minister and RSP leadership. Still, in the absence of an official statement, it remains unclear whether the two leaders reached an consensus on any of these issues.
Notably, the extended talks coincided with the postponement of a Cabinet meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday. The Cabinet session was rescheduled for Thursday, though no official explanation has confirmed whether the delay was directly tied to the Budhanilkantha meeting.
Finally, the leaders touched upon foreign affairs, discussing Lamichhane’s recent trip to India as well as Shah’s upcoming visit to New Delhi in the first week of Mangsir. Their conversations reflect a broader pattern, as several government ministers and RSP leaders have traveled to India in recent days—though details regarding the purpose of these visits remain undisclosed.
Despite the length of Wednesday’s meeting and the weight of the topics discussed, neither side has issued an official statement outlining the agenda or outcomes. As a result, critical questions persist regarding the proposed ordinances, the future of police leadership, and the government's response to the Sunar controversy. For now, the meeting underscores an ongoing effort by Shah and Lamichhane to navigate delicate political realities, though whether these talks yield concrete decisions will only become clear through future policy announcements.
