KATHMANDU: Krishna Hari Pushkar, Secretary at the Office of the Vice President and a contender for the post of chief secretary, has come under scrutiny after reportedly sending a direct message to Prime Minister Balendra Shah seeking support for a future ambassadorial appointment.
According to sources, Pushkar sent a text message to the prime minister on Thursday morning after vacancies for ambassadorial positions were announced. In the message, he reportedly wrote: “Vacancies for ambassadors have opened. I am also planning to apply and hope to receive your support.”
The incident has drawn attention as Pushkar is also in the race for the chief secretary position alongside Suman Raj Aryal, Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
Sources claim that after the message surfaced, Pushkar was questioned by police personnel called to the Office of the Vice President. He was reportedly released several hours later after giving a statement. However, no official statement has been issued by the concerned authorities regarding the matter.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Secretary Pushkar are both from Mahottari district and are said to have maintained cordial relations for years. Sources familiar with the matter claim they have remained in contact through professional and personal interactions.
Pushkar is scheduled to retire on July 8 after completing his five-year tenure as secretary. His retirement comes shortly before the expected retirement of current Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal.
The reported communication has generated discussion within administrative and diplomatic circles, particularly at a time when the selection of a new chief secretary and appointments to ambassadorial posts are under consideration.
Comment