RSP denied home ministry by PM Dahal

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has declined to give the Home Affairs portfolio to former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane.

In a meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Official Residence in Baluwatar on Tuesday, Dahal requested Lamichhane to consider other ministries instead. The Prime Minister offered the physical infrastructure and transport portfolios to Lamichhane, according to a leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

In response, Lamichhane stated that his party would rather leave the government than take other portfolios. A member of Lamichhane’s secretariat informed Himal Press that Lamichhane informed Prime Minister Dahal that the home ministry should be given to RSP as per the agreement reached with coalition partners. The party will then decide who it will send to the cabinet, the leader added.

The Supreme Court on Friday that Lamichhane was ineligible to continue in his positions as RSP President, Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Member of House Representatives due to an invalid citizenship certificate. Lamichhane acquired citizenship on Sunday and was elected as the RSP President on the same day.

Coalition partner, CPN-UML is of the opinion that RSP should get the home ministry. As per the agreement reached with the ruling coalition, Lamichhane was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs on December 26.