Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.

RSP suspends General Secretary Mukul Dhakal

Dr. Mukul Dhakal, the General Secretary and Spokesperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has been suspended following a decision made during the party’s central committee meeting on late Wednesday. The meeting cited breaches of party discipline and rules as reasons for his suspension, which will last for seven days. In his place, Kabindra Burlakoti has been appointed as the acting General Secretary. Additionally, the meeting appointed Manish Jha as the new spokesperson. The decision was announced publicly after concerns were raised during the meeting regarding the live broadcast of proceedings, where Dhakal protested by symbolically covering his mouth with a blacl band, amid objections from other central members.

After talks with PM Dahal, RSP rules out quitting government

 Following nearly two hours of discussions with Prime Minister (PM) Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, the likelihood of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) immediately exiting the government has diminished. A leader of the RSP, who attended the meeting, indicated that there are no plans for the ministers to resign at the moment. During the meeting with RSP leaders, Prime Minister Dahal expressed his commitment to address issues within Parliament.

Naubise-Nagdhunga road section to remain closed tonight

The Naubise-Nagadhunga road section will remain closed tonight due to the construction of the bridge over the Naubise River along the Highway. Ishwar Bahadur Rijal, Senior Division Engineer of Nagdhunga-Muglin Road Project (Eastern Section) said that the work will be stopped for five hours from 10:00 PM to 3:00 AM during the night. “The RCC beam (precast bridge girder) of the bridge is built on the ground outside the bridge. It will have to be lifted by a crane and placed on the pillar on both sides of the bridge”, Rijal said. Makendra Kumar Mishra, Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Police Office, Dhading stated that the work will be done at the time when there is no traffic (night time) as the traffic will be obstructed when the heavy equipment is being used.

CIAA summons Lalitpur Mayor Maharjan amid allegations

Chiribabu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, has been summoned by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). The Commission acted following a complaint alleging the unauthorized distribution of funds in the name of flood victims. The complaint, filed with the Authority, claims that Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 2.5 lakh were distributed to flood victims in Dhapakhel in 2077 BS, contrary to executive decisions. Recently, Lalitpur Metropolitan Corporation reported encroachment on temple land, leading to a bulldozer allegedly damaging Sumitra Amatya’s compound wall.

JSP led by Ashok Rai to support new alliance of NC and UML

The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) led by Ashok Rai has announced its support for the new alliance formed between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN-UML. General Secretary Mohammad Ishtiyaq Rai stated that the ministers currently serving in the government will resign today to support the new alliance. “Since the current government has lost its majority, the party has decided to move forward in accordance with the new situation by asking the ministers to resign,” he said.

Gold price up by Rs 1,600 per tola today

Gold price increased by Rs 1,600 in the domestic market today. As reported by the Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of fine gold has been revised to Rs 144,300 per tola, while standard gold is currently trading at Rs 143,600 per tola. The price of gold was Rs 142,700 per tola on Tuesday. In contrast, the price of silver has remained relatively stable, maintaining its position at Rs 1,865 per tola.

Gagan Thapa suggests PM Dahal to step down

Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Thapa has called for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda to step down, citing a need to clear the path forward following his minority position. Speaking to the media at Biratnagar Airport on Thursday, Thapa emphasized that while the Prime Minister has the constitutional right to seek a vote of confidence, resigning would be the appropriate course after falling into minority status. Thapa highlighted the necessity of amending the constitution to effectively implement federalism, inclusive representation, and proportional governance over the past seven years. He also announced a new alliance between the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML aimed at fortifying the Federal Democratic Republic’s Constitution through further amendments and refinements.

Parliamentary hearing for proposed Election Commissioner Pradhan postponed

 The Parliamentary Hearing Committee of the Federal Parliament has postponed the hearing for Krishna Man Pradhan, the proposed candidate for the vacant Election Commissioner position. The committee decided to delay the hearing for a few days after meeting with the complainants on Thursday, according to Chairman Pashupati Shumsher JBR. The committee has received four complaints against Pradhan. “During the meeting with the complainants, some serious matters have surfaced, so the committee has decided to take some time to study them,” said Chair Rana. According to sources, complaints of sexual abuse and other issues have been filed against Pradhan.

UML urges PM Dahal not to take any actions with long-term effects

The CPN-UML has urged Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal not to take any actions with long-term effects, maintaining that he has lost his majority in parliament. In a press statement issued on Thursday, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel emphasized that PM Dahal should refrain from making decisions with lasting consequences. The party further asserted that PM Dahal cannot secure a vote of confidence, given the alliance between the UML and the Nepali Congress. Earlier, eight CPN-UML ministers resigned, withdrawing their support from the Dahal-led government.

Clash in Nepalgunj: Police fire bullets while arresting fugitive

A clash erupted between locals and police when the latter attempted to arrest an absconding convict at Duduwa rural municipality-6 in Banke district. Superintendent of Police at the District Police Office, Tul Bahadur Karki, reported that police fired one round into the air and two rounds of bullets in self-defense after locals pelted stones at them. “Police were compelled to fire bullets after the clash took place,” mentioned Karki. A local woman and Senior Head Constable Madan Dangi were injured in the confrontation. Both are undergoing treatment at Bheri Hospital, Nepalgunj, with Dangi sustaining head injuries. Police apprehended Sonnam Singh Sardar, 65, of Duduwa-6 by shooting him in the leg. Sardar, accused of robbery, had been absconding for six years.

CPN (Unified Socialist) to support PM Dahal in confidence vote

The CPN (Unified Socialist) has announced its support for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in his upcoming vote of confidence. Speaking with media personnel at Kamaladi, General Secretary Ghanshyam Bhusal confirmed that the party will back PM Dahal during the confidence vote. Bhusal also stated that the party will not withdraw its support from the Dahal-led government. PM Dahal is set to seek a vote of confidence from parliament after the CPN-UML withdrew its support from the government.

Nepal re-elected Chair and Bhusal elected General Secretary

Madhav Kumar Nepal has been re-elected as the Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist). The party has also elected Ghanshyam Bhusal as its General Secretary. Jhalnath Khanal has retained his position as the party’s dignified leader. The party is currently holding its 10th convention in Kathmandu. However, an agreement for the post of Senior Vice Chairman has yet to be reached.

UML withdraws support from Sudurpaschim government

The CPN-UML has withdrawn its support from the Sudurpaschim provincial government, causing Chief Minister Dirgha Sodari of the CPN (Unified Socialist) to lose his majority. The decision was made during a parliamentary party meeting on Thursday. CM Sodari was appointed on Baishak 6 with the support of 10 UML lawmakers, 10 Maoist Center lawmakers, four CPN (Unified Socialist) lawmakers, two Nagarik Unmukti Party lawmakers, and one independent lawmaker.

Supreme Court deadlock on Home Minister Lamichhane’s case

The Supreme Court of Nepal has reached an impasse in passing a verdict on the case against Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane, as the opinions of the presiding judges differed. Following the hearing, the bench comprising judges Sapana Pradan Malla and Saranga Subedi was unable to reach a consensus. Consequently, the Supreme Court will form a full bench of at least three judges to deliver the final verdict, according to spokesperson Bedh Prasad Upreti. The writ, filed by advocate Anupama Bhattarai, seeks the suspension of Lamichhane.