KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah has been actively engaged in the government’s response to the devastation caused by the Bhotekoshi flood.
Speaking to the media following an all-party meeting on Wednesday, Lamichhane said the Prime Minister had not ignored the meeting or the situation in the flood-affected areas.
Responding to a question about whether Prime Minister Shah had overlooked the all-party meeting amid the disaster, Lamichhane said Shah had been in regular contact with political leaders and representatives from affected areas.
“Not at all. Local politicians are also speaking (with him). The Prime Minister is in constant discussions. He is directly connected with people in the affected areas. This is a great example of his sensitivity,” Lamichhane said.
Lamichhane also said the ruling party and the government were carrying out their respective responsibilities without duplicating efforts. “It is clear that the party’s responsibility is the party’s responsibility, while the Prime Minister’s responsibility is that of the government. There is no need to duplicate the work,” he said.
He said he had been communicating with local representatives, including ward chairpersons, to understand the situation on the ground and convey their concerns to the relevant authorities.
Lamichhane’s remarks came as political parties continue discussions on strengthening coordination for disaster response, relief, rehabilitation and long-term disaster management following the Bhotekoshi flood. An all-party meeting he convened on Wednesday focused on the proposed formation of a high-level political mechanism for disaster risk reduction and management.
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