KATHMANDU: When Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Rajendra Lingden told Prime Minister (PM) Balendra Shah about the tears and suffering of squatters living in holding centers, PM Shah responded that their pain had deeply affected him and assured that the government would work to address their problems.
The hour-long meeting between PM Shah and Lingden on Thursday focused mainly on current national issues and matters of public concern rather than political discussions, according to sources. However, the meeting marked Shah’s first political engagement with a leader from the royalist camp at a time when questions have been raised about his political stance.
Shah and Lingden discussed contemporary national issues, including the hardships faced by marginalized communities and the government’s responsibility toward lower-income groups. The meeting between Lingden, who represents the royalist and Hindu state agenda, and Shah, who rose to prominence through a populist political platform, has been viewed as politically significant.
However, Lingden’s Secretariat said the meeting was held at the request of the RPP chairperson to discuss public concerns, not political issues.
Addressing the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan, Lingden had claimed that Shah’s electoral victory was partly supported by royalist voters. Shah had not responded to the remark at the time, leading some observers to speculate about his possible proximity to the royalist camp.
However, RSP leaders have argued that the party’s constitution is based on a democratic republican system and that there is no basis for questioning Shah’s commitment to the republic.
According to Shah’s Secretariat, Lingden came to Singha Durbar primarily to raise the issue of squatters rather than discuss political matters. A member of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said Shah positively received the concerns raised by Lingden.
Lingden also inquired about the government’s recent activities. Shah agreed to meet him after Lingden expressed a desire to discuss issues including the problems faced by squatters.
During the meeting, Lingden highlighted growing public dissatisfaction with the government’s performance and said he had come to Singha Durbar carrying the concerns of farmers, youths and students.
“Our chairman himself sought an appointment. The Prime Minister did not invite him. The meeting took place after the chairman expressed his desire to meet, and the Prime Minister provided time,” said a member of Lingden’s Secretariat.
During the discussion, Shah expressed commitment to addressing the issues raised by Lingden. He also said that he was equally concerned that the pain and problems faced by citizens had not been resolved in time.
“The Prime Minister said he was also moved by the pain and tears of the people and that the government would work to address their concerns,” the Secretariat member said.
When Lingden visited the holding center
The government had forcibly removed squatters living along the riverbanks of Kathmandu using bulldozers and relocated them to a holding center, promising that they would be properly managed within 15 days. However, even after two months, no concrete arrangement has been made for any of the squatters. As a result, those displaced from their settlements have been facing further hardship at the holding center.
This week, RPP Chairperson Lingden inspected holding centers, including the one in Kirtipur. During his visit, he said children, elderly people and persons with disabilities shared their struggles and appealed for support.
After returning from the holding center, Lingden sought an appointment with Prime Minister Balendra Shah. According to Lingden, elderly residents and children told him that they felt abandoned and lacked a guardian. They also requested that their actual condition be brought to the Prime Minister’s attention.
“Those who could afford to leave and pay rent have already moved out. The people remaining in the holding center are mostly elderly, disabled, vulnerable and from poor backgrounds,” Lingden said. “They complained that they were not receiving adequate food and medical care and that they felt abandoned by the state. I assured them that I would discuss their concerns with the Prime Minister rather than oppose the government.”
Lingden said he was deeply affected after witnessing the condition of the squatters. “Since I have also been part of the government at different times, I felt this issue needed immediate attention. That is why I met the Prime Minister to provide constructive suggestions. The discussion was general, but I mainly presented the people’s problems before him. He responded positively,” he said.
During the meeting, Lingden urged the government to ensure food, shelter and other essential facilities for people facing financial difficulties. “I could have criticized the government through social media or the media, but I chose to meet the Prime Minister with the intention of offering constructive suggestions,” he said.
He also expressed concern that the Prime Minister may have received incomplete information about the situation. “The Prime Minister may have been told that everything has been resolved. But there are still poor people who do not have enough to eat. My request is that the state must act as their guardian,” Lingden said.
Lingden said he became emotional after seeing the condition of children and elderly people at the holding center. “I could have shared their situation on social media, but I came here to offer constructive suggestions and to respect the two-thirds mandate given to this government,” he said.
He added that some residents had told him, “Raise our issue in Parliament, otherwise we will die. We need basic support to survive.” Lingden said he urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the state takes responsibility for protecting vulnerable citizens.
Prime Minister Shah’s Secretariat member Kumar Ben, Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal, RPP Senior Vice President Buddhiman Tamang and Chief Whip Khushbu Oli were present during the meeting.
Lingden told the Prime Minister that since Shah had received a near two-thirds mandate from voters, the government had a responsibility to address people’s concerns. In response, Shah said the government was working according to public expectations and requested patience for some time.
‘I am also deeply affected by their pain and tears,’ PM Shah tells Lingden
Prime Minister Shah became serious after Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairperson Lingden highlighted the plight of squatters living in holding centers and said that only those unable to support themselves remained there.
According to sources, Shah responded for about six to seven minutes, informing Lingden that the government had already started initiatives to resolve the issue and improve the condition of vulnerable communities.
“We have already accelerated the process of managing such people. Land ownership certificates are being distributed. We will not allow their tears to fall under any circumstances. Others have also raised the same concerns you mentioned, and the Secretariat is regularly bringing these issues to my attention,” Shah said during the meeting.
“I am also deeply affected when I see the pain and tears of squatters. There are various criticisms against me outside. Because of this, I feel an even greater responsibility to become their guardian. I wish I could have done so sooner. The state must become their guardian, and I will also play that role,” he added.
Shah said the government was working to address the problems but acknowledged that some solutions require time due to legal procedures, limited resources and administrative challenges.
“The government was formed to solve these problems. I also feel that they should be addressed immediately. However, everything cannot be done instantly because of certain procedures and limitations. I am working day and night toward that goal,” Shah said.
He thanked Lingden for raising the issue through constructive criticism. “Your suggestions have made me feel more responsible. My colleagues have also raised these concerns, and the people have also expressed them. This issue is on my priority list, and I will work to address it,” he said.
Shah also informed Lingden that the government was continuing efforts to ensure the availability of fertilizers, seeds and other agricultural inputs through coordination and dialogue. However, he said the government was also focusing on resolving complaints raised by citizens.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that although the government had tried to accomplish as much as possible in its first 100 days, many tasks still remained unfinished.
“Not everything that needs to be done has been completed. Even when there is strong determination to act, some work cannot be completed immediately,” Shah said. “I have been monitoring the issues raised by citizens and directing the concerned agencies accordingly. However, resolving these problems will take time. The government has not been in office for long. Our goal is to put the country on a positive path.”
What else was discussed?
During the meeting, the two leaders also discussed investigations into the assets of individuals who reached key state positions after 2046 BS, as well as the investigation into the royal massacre.
Lingden said investigations into property holdings should apply equally to everyone who has held public office, including himself and the Prime Minister.
“The RPP has a clear position that asset investigations should include both you and me. Anyone from my party who is found guilty should face action,” Lingden said. “I have repeatedly raised this issue in Parliament. No one should be protected from accountability for crimes and corruption because of political connections.”
The Prime Minister sought cooperation, saying that the government was carrying out necessary tasks from its side. In response, Lingden advised Shah to ensure that all government actions are carried out within the framework of existing laws and regulations.
The two leaders also discussed the controversy surrounding Shah’s statement in the House of Representatives on Jestha 17, in which he had said that “Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory.”
Lingden urged the government to clarify its position on the issue at the earliest. Responding to the concern, Shah said the government was working on the matter and that the facts would gradually come to light.
Lingden also reminded the Prime Minister of the need to remain accountable to Parliament and responsible to the people. In response, Shah said he was clear on the matter and that his actions, rather than statements, would demonstrate his commitment.
After the meeting, Lingden shared the key issues discussed with the Prime Minister through social media. He said the discussion covered the hardships faced by ordinary citizens due to various state mechanisms, as well as contemporary issues including education, health, electricity and other public concerns.
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