KATHMANDU: Last week witnessed a flurry of significant developments in Nepal, spanning the realms of politics, media, sports, and urban governance.

The arrest of Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, on allegations of fraudulent citizenship submissions cast a spotlight on issues of identity fraud.

Concurrently, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s successful securing of a vote of confidence amidst opposition abstention underscored political dynamics within the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s denial of a US visa for the T-20 World Cup added a layer of disappointment to the sporting landscape.

Additionally, the Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s demolition of illegal structures at Gaushala highlighted ongoing efforts in urban governance.

These events collectively encapsulated the diverse and evolving narratives shaping Nepal’s socio-political and cultural landscape.

Police arrest KMG Chairman Kailash Sirohiya

Police apprehended Kailash Sirohiya, Chairman of Kantipur Media Group, from the Kantipur Media Group office in Thapathali.

This arrest came following a decision by the Dhanusha District Court to grant permission for an arrest warrant against Sirohiya in connection with a dual citizenship issue.

Allegations of fraudulent citizenship submissions to multiple institutions were the basis for this action, with suspicions of identity fraud arising from two citizenships bearing the same number but different details.

Sirohiya expressed willingness to cooperate with investigations conducted in accordance with the law.

PM Dahal secures vote of confidence

In another development, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal secured a vote of confidence for the fourth time, garnering 157 votes in favor during a session of the House of Representatives.

Notably, the opposition parties, including the Nepali Congress, abstained from participating in the voting process.

Govt. presents policies and programs

The government’s policies and programs, presented by President Ram Chandra Poudel, were tabled for discussion in parliament amidst protests by the Nepali Congress.

The opposition party had been demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s alleged involvement in a cooperative fraud case.

Home Minister Lamichhane denies involvement in cooperative fraud

Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane last week denied any involvement in the cooperative fraud case during a session of the House of Representatives, emphasizing that no cases had been filed against him.

Speaking in the Parliament, Home Minister Lamichhane retaliated against Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa.

This followed allegations of cooperative fraud leveled against Lamichhane, with tensions escalating between the two political figures.

NC dubs Speaker Ghimire “rubber stamp” of ruling coalition

The Nepali Congress accused Speaker Devraj Ghimire of acting as a rubber stamp for the ruling coalition after facilitating Prime Minister Dahal’s vote of confidence despite protests from opposition parties in parliament.

International Dialogue on Mountains and Climate Change

Prime Minister Puhpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda inaugurated the ‘Mountains, Human and Climate Change: International Dialogue of Experts’ in Kathmandu.

The dialogue aimed to draw attention to the impacts of climate change on mountainous regions and enhance actions based on mountain ecosystems.

US Embassy rejects visa for Sandeep Lamichhane

Cricketer Sandeep Lamichhane’s visa application to the USA was rejected by the US Embassy in Nepal. This development occurred as Lamichhane was planning to participate in the T-20 World Cup.

Demolition of Illegal Structures by KMC

The Kathmandu Metropolitan City demolished illegal structures encroaching on road areas at Gaushala, deploying a bulldozer for the demolition. This action followed a 35-day notice issued by KMC to remove the illegal structures in the Gaushala Chowk area.