Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs, Rabi Lamichhane, has argued in a letter to the Supreme Court that he did not relinquish his Nepali citizenship.
According to Lamichhane, he received US citizenship in 2013, but later relinquished it five years later. He also argued that he did not need to follow procedures to obtain Nepali citizenship again as he did not relinquish his Nepali citizenship in the first place.
Lamichhane stated that about five years ago, when a complaint was filed with the Nepal Press Council regarding his Nepali citizenship when he was affiliated with a television program in News 24 Channel, he immediately furnished information about relinquishing his US passport and citizenship to the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of Nepal, through the Department of Immigration.
Lamichhane further added that the writ petitioner, who is claiming that he is not a Nepali citizen, should furnish proof that he is a foreign citizen. He stated that it is not acceptable to make false accusations about his citizenship, which is related to his private life and his relationship with his country.
The court is set to announce its verdict on January 25. The outcome of this case will determine whether or not Lamichhane’s citizenship status is in question and if it will have any impact on his political career.
