KATHMANDU: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane stated that the power dynamics in the government shifted overnight as soon as major corruption files began to surface.
Speaking briefly with journalists at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Lamichhane mentioned that the government could not sustain itself even for one night once significant corruption files were opened.
He emphasized that the public clearly understood the reasons behind the sudden changes in power alliances, suggesting it was an attempt to protect certain individuals.
Referring to the arrest of Bechan Jha, who was implicated in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam, he remarked on how the corruption revelations immediately altered the power balance.
“Once the corruption files were exposed, the government couldn’t last even a single night,” he commented, pointing to the recent arrest of Jha, who was apprehended in Kanchanpur last Friday.
That same day, Pratik Thapa, the son of CPN-UML Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, was also detained.
Jha, who played a key intermediary role in the fake refugee scheme, had named prominent figures, including Nepali Congress (NC) leader Arzu Rana.
Lamichhane implied that the government’s disruption was linked to these exposures.
Following Jha’s arrest, various speculations arose regarding his connections with high-level leaders.
Lamichhane suggested that the arrests of a few individuals caused a significant stir among the higher-ups.
“You asked for the files to be opened, but the government fell overnight once we did,” he said, adding, “What does this change in power dynamics signify? It’s not about protecting the constitution; it’s about protecting certain individuals.”
Lamichhane criticized the alliance between the UML and NC, stating it was unhealthy for democracy.
“While it’s generally good for parties to unite, the current coalition between UML and NC is not right for democracy. Parties should unite during significant political events, emergencies, or national crises, but this union is to protect those involved in major corruption,” he said.
Home Minister Lamichhane added that the country is not currently facing any crisis.
“The Nepali people understand that the government changed overnight just to protect a few individuals detained for governance issues,” he said declaratively, “The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) will not participate in the new power coalition.”
Comment