KAILALI: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that he was the one who brought Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane into politics, and reminded the public that it was under his leadership that Lamichhane was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs.
Speaking at the inauguration of expanded irrigation, hydropower, and transmission line works under the Rani Jamara Kulariya Project in Janaki Rural Municipality-9, Kailali, on Tuesday, Oli expressed discontent over the recent wave of criticism directed at him by Lamichhane’s supporters.
“I was the one who brought him into politics and gave him a major role in government, but now his supporters insult me,” Oli said, voicing frustration at what he termed an ungrateful response.
The Prime Minister criticized the ongoing signature campaign being organized by RSP in protest of the court’s order to remand Lamichhane in custody over a cooperative fraud case. He stressed that it was the judiciary—not the government—that decided to detain Lamichhane.
“Whether someone is jailed or not is for the court to decide, not the government,” he stated. “People should not misinterpret the court’s decision and start targeting others.”
Oli also warned the public to remain cautious of forces he described as “anti-system” and accused them of misleading people under the guise of reform. He further criticized the rise of offensive and irresponsible remarks on social media, calling it an abuse of freedom.
“Freedom doesn’t mean insulting others on Facebook or attacking civility,” Oli added.
On the signature campaign protesting Lamichhane’s detention, Oli remarked sarcastically, “Let’s hope it doesn’t cross 30 million signatures. That would be surprising.”
Oli concluded by stating that the current government will remain in power until the next general election.
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