KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman, Rabi Lamichhane, expressed his frustration towards Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, accusing him of shielding individuals involved in gold smuggling.

Speaking at a program today morning, Lamichhane accused Shrestha of attempting to cover up the gold smuggling issue.

Dismissing rumors of his own candidacy for the position of Home Minister, Lamichhane asserted that he had no interest in the race.

“I am not in the race for Home Minister. Save your people!” Lamichhane declared emphatically.

He suggested that Shrestha might be anticipating a change in the government and insinuated a desire for the Home Minister position.

Lamichhane clarified that he neither aspired for the role nor intended to be part of any coalition race.

Addressing Shrestha directly, Lamichhane urged him to focus on his responsibilities, stating, “Home Minister, take care. This is not just for now but for the entire duration of your tenure. Even if you contest elections, you should not win. I urge the elected MPs to protect their constituents.”

Lamichhane accused Shrestha of attempting to shield Immigration Department Director General Jhalkaram Adhikari, emphasizing that no action had been taken despite evidence of Adhikari’s communication with the accused Dawa Tshiring.

Alleging a connection between the Home Minister’s Secretariat and the official involved in the 61 kg gold case, Lamichhane called for an inquiry into their relationships.

He challenged the Home Minister to handcuff him if he could prove any mistakes on his part.

Furthermore, Lamichhane highlighted the lack of transparency in the inquiry Committee’s report on the national identity card printing issue involving a foreign company, despite his cooperation.

Lamichhane also emphasized the need for accountability and urged the Home Minister to address the issues at hand rather than engaging in political maneuvering.