KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
President calls federal parliament session
President Ram Chandra Paudel has called a session of both houses of the federal parliament. The Office of the President issued a statement on Wednesday announcing that the session has been summoned in accordance with Article 93 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. According to the notice, the session of both the House of Representatives of Nepal and the National Assembly of Nepal will begin on Friday, April 30, at 1:00 pm at the federal parliament building in Singha Durbar.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung steps down
Home Minister Sudan Gurung has resigned from his post amid growing criticism over alleged business links and share transactions with controversial businessmen. Gurung submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) and also made the announcement public through social media. Prime Minister Shah had appointed Gurung as Home Minister on the same day the Council of Ministers was formed following his assumption of office.
Sudan Gurung leaves Singha Durbar with pointed remarks aimed at Rabi Lamichhane
Sudan Gurung used pointed words on social media apparently targeting Rabi Lamichhane after resigning from the post of home minister. In a Facebook post, Gurung wrote that details about “where some journalist friends have sweat shares will gradually come out,” adding that those seeking an ideal state should also demonstrate sacrifice and moral courage. Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has been linked to a 15 percent share ownership in Gorkha Media Network, which has been accused of misusing large sums of money collected from cooperatives.
Discussions underway to amend law for diplomatic passports to HoR members
Preparations are underway to amend existing laws to facilitate the provision of diplomatic passports to members of the House of Representatives. Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal held discussions on Wednesday at Singha Durbar with chief whips of various political parties regarding the current legal provisions governing diplomatic passports for lawmakers. According to Khushbu Oli, chief whip of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, the meeting focused on how to make the process easier, as lawmakers have been demanding access to diplomatic passports.
Gagan Thapa says all sides will be brought together for successful NC general convention
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has said that all stakeholders will be brought together to ensure the success of the party’s 15th general convention. Speaking to journalists at Biratnagar airport on Wednesday, Thapa said continuous dialogue is underway with leaders and cadres of the party to make the convention successful. He noted that although the Nepali Congress is currently in the opposition in the federal parliament, it holds a leading position in all seven provinces and local levels, which places additional responsibility on the party. He said the organization will be further strengthened accordingly.
Speculation grows over next Home Minister as PM Shah weighs options
Speculation has intensified over who will become the next Home Minister following the resignation of Sudan Gurung, with Prime Minister Balen Shah yet to finalize a replacement. For now, Prime Minister Shah has kept the Home Ministry under his direct charge. However, uncertainty remains over whether the next appointment will come from his close circle or from within the camp of Rabi Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Gurung, who was earlier handpicked by Shah, resigned after controversies surrounding his alleged share dealings with businessman Deepak Bhatt surfaced.
Acharya calls Gurung’s resignation a positive step, urges fair investigation
Constitutional expert Bhimarjun Acharya has termed the resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung a positive move, saying it reflects the government’s willingness to move in the right direction. Speaking to Khabarhub, Acharya said it has been a longstanding practice in Nepal for ministers to resign amid controversy to facilitate fair investigation, and continuing that practice is a welcome development. “It is positive that the Home Minister resigned to support the investigation after controversy emerged. This practice existed earlier as well; some may not have followed it, but many did,” Acharya said. “There was a need for him to pave the way, and he has done so. A fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against him must now follow.”
Deepak Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal’s remand extended by 7 days
Kathmandu District Court has granted permission to extend the custody of accused individuals, including Deepak Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal, by seven more days in a money laundering case. The order was issued by Judge Tilak Bahadur Karki following a hearing on the request filed by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation Nepal on Wednesday. The court stated that further investigation is required as the case is in its final stage, including additional inquiries under the Insurance Act and Securities Act, preparation of a report, and filing of charges.
Prachanda calls for unity among left forces
Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called for unity among all leftist and communist forces, as well as among those supporting the peace process and the democratic republic. In a message issued on the occasion of the Communist Party of Nepal’s Foundation Day, Prachanda stressed the need for a comprehensive reorganization of the country’s communist movement. He said unity among forces committed to socialism and communism has become a “historical necessity” to eliminate discrimination and build an egalitarian society. Highlighting the global context, Prachanda said imperialist forces are becoming increasingly aggressive against national sovereignty and the people’s right to self-determination. In such a situation, he emphasized the importance of forming a broader front among forces that support the peace agreement and the democratic republican system.
Govt directive to remove student groups from universities sparks backlash
A recent government directive to remove student and staff-affiliated political organizations from universities has triggered strong backlash from student unions and political parties. On Monday, Prime Minister Balen Shah summoned university vice-chancellors to Singha Durbar and instructed them to immediately dismantle partisan student and employee organizations from campuses. The move follows a provision in the government’s recently approved policy agenda, which states that structures of politically affiliated student organizations must be removed from university premises within 60 days. It also proposes establishing Student Councils or a Voice of Students mechanism within 90 days as an alternative.
Gold, silver prices decline
The price of gold and silver declined in Nepal on Wednesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associations. Gold price dropped by Rs 800 per tola compared to Tuesday. The precious metal, which was traded at Rs 301,300 per tola on Tuesday, has fallen to Rs 300,500 per tola today. Similarly, silver price decreased by Rs 30 per tola. It has dropped to Rs 5,130 per tola today from Rs 5,160 per tola on Tuesday.
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