KATHMANDU: A heated exchange unfolded at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar as Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba engaged in a heated discussion over Balkumari incident.
The disagreement arose when NC President Deuba opposed the government’s attempt to suspend police officers, including Deputy Superintendent of Police Umesh Lamsal, following an incident in Lalitpur’s Balkumari that led to the tragic death of two individuals.
Sources revealed that the confrontation intensified when NC President Deuba asserted that the morale of the police should not be compromised, and no legal action should be taken against them.
This stand prompted Prime Minister Dahal to express concern that government interference could raise questions about justice in the incident.
As tensions flared, Defense Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka, along with Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak, intervened by taking Deuba to a separate room.
There, they emphasized the importance of government continuity and urged Deuba to consider the broader interests of the Nepali Congress party.
Upon Deuba’s return to the meeting, he displayed flexibility, agreeing to abide by the government’s decision without exerting undue pressure.
However, insiders suggest that Nepali Congress leaders cautioned Deuba about the potential collapse of the ruling coalition, attributing it to his perceived interference in major investigations.
Despite the heated exchange in Baluwatar, the Central Working Committee, with Deuba holding a two-thirds majority, decided to maintain Prime Minister Dahal’s leadership until a consensus is reached within the ruling coalition.
Nevertheless, the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the coalition government’s inability to instill confidence among the public.
Comment