RSP expels lawmaker Shrestha from party

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RPP) has expelled lawmaker Dr Dhaka Kumar Shrestha from the party.

The central committee meeting of the party held on Wednesday took the decision. Dr Shrestha was under scrutiny following the release of an audio recording in which he allegedly demanded Rs 20 million from medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai.

The decision means Dr Shrestha will lose his position as a member of the House of Representatives.

RSP President Rabi Lamichhane said in a press meet organized in Kathmandu that the party will notify the Federal Parliament Secretariat and the Election Commission about its decision.

Shrestha was elected to the House of Representatives under the proportional representation system.

After the audio clip went viral on social media, RSP tasked its disciplinary committee to investigate allegations made against Shrestha. The took the decision to expel Shrestha based on the committee’s report.

Responding to a query on what the ‘core team’ mentioned by Shrestha during his clarification to the party meant, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane said the party would repsond after it becomes clear who Shrestha was referring to.