RSP decides to leave coalition govt

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to leave the government.

“The party has taken a unanimous decision to recall its ministers from the government, but continue its support to the coalition,” RSP President Rabi Lamichhane said in a press meet. “Our ministers will tender their resignations later on Sunday.”

The party was at loggerheads with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal over the home portfolio which the party vacated after the Supreme Court ruled Lamichhane ineligible to hold public positions after invalidating his citizenship. The RSP staked its claim to the home ministry after Lamichhane restored his citizenship. But Dahal denied it.

Dahal had instead offered the Minister of Physical Development and Transport to the party.

The party was expected to take the decision on Friday itself. They, however, postponed the decision after PM Dahal asked the party to wait for two days, stating that he needed some time.