KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
Special Court allows seven-day detention of UML Vice-chair Bishnu Paudel for money laundering investigation
The Special Court has granted permission to the Department of Money Laundering Investigation to keep CPN-UML Vice-chair and former Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel in custody for seven days for further investigation. A bench comprising judges Narayan Prasad Paudel, Hemanta Rawal and Umesh Koirala issued the order, authorizing investigators to detain Paudel for seven days effective from Monday. The Department of Money Laundering Investigation will continue its probe during the detention period, according to the court order. If additional time is required, investigators will have to seek a further extension from the Special Court after the initial seven-day period expires.
Rumors of attack on Home Minister denied; two hotel workers questioned over food complaint in Chitwan
The Home Minister Sudan Gurung’s secretariat issued a statement rejecting rumors circulated claiming Home Minister had been assaulted while attending the national convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan. The Home Ministry’s secretariat clarified the reports as false and fabricated, urging media outlets and the public not to trust such claims. In a message shared by the minister’s aide, Kamal Sargam Chaulagain, the secretariat said no attack had taken place. However, attention later shifted to a separate incident involving the minister’s stay at a hotel in Bharatpur. According to reports, while having breakfast at Lords Plaza Hotel in Bharatpur on Tuesday morning, the minister allegedly found a fish bone in an omelette served to him.
RSP Chair Lamichhane directs party not to charge convention delegate fee, refunds for those who paid
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has instructed party leaders and cadres to refrain from engaging in unhealthy activities during the party’s internal election process. Addressing the closed session of the party’s first national convention in Chitwan on Tuesday, Lamichhane stressed the need for healthy competition in the internal election and directed members not to contest by forming factions, sub-groups, or panels. He said that if factionalism dominates the party, the consequences would also be detrimental. Stating that the party has not barred anyone from contesting, Lamichhane urged delegates to exercise wisdom while selecting leaders for the party’s Central Committee. Recalling that the party had secured nearly a two-thirds majority mandate before the convention, he said the focus should now shift from praise and rhetoric to delivering results.
RSP adopts mixed electoral system for central committee formation at first general convention
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has introduced a mixed selection system for electing its central committee at the party’s first general convention, with provisions for provincial representation, open elections, and nominations from leadership. Under the new arrangement, five central committee members will be elected from each of the seven provinces. The system also mandates that at least one woman must be elected from each province, aiming to ensure inclusivity within the party structure. Altogether, 158 central committee members will be selected through the convention process, according to party provisions. Of these, 64 members will be chosen through open competition in the internal election process, while others will be selected through a combination of nomination and structured representation.
Rabi Lamichhane urges leaders to avoid factional politics at RSP closed session
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has urged party leaders to refrain from factional politics, reminding them of the struggles involved in building the party. Addressing the closed session of the party’s first general convention shortly after it began, Lamichhane said that group-based politics and internal divisions would not deliver positive outcomes for the organization. He emphasized that the party had been built through significant effort and sacrifice, and called on leaders to remain united and focused on strengthening the organization rather than engaging in factional activities.
Rabi Lamichhane files candidacy for RSP chair, backed by PM Balen Shah
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has formally registered his candidacy for the party’s top post as the leadership election process gets underway at the party’s first national general convention. Lamichhane is seeking another term as chairperson through the convention currently being held in Chitwan. In a notable development, Prime Minister and senior party leader Balendra Shah has proposed Lamichhane’s candidacy, signaling strong support from the party’s top leadership. The nomination registration was attended by a large number of party leaders, delegates and supporters, underscoring Lamichhane’s continued influence within the organization.
Auditor General urges resolution of land ownership disputes at Kathmandu’s world heritage sites
The Office of the Auditor General has called for the resolution of longstanding land ownership disputes involving some of the Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. According to the performance audit section of the Auditor General’s 63rd Annual Report, disputes over land ownership persist between the Guthi Sansthan and the trusts and management committees overseeing key heritage sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath. The report recommends harmonizing the provisions of the Guthi Sansthan Act, the Ancient Monument Preservation Act, and the laws governing the respective development trusts and committees. It stresses the need to clearly determine ownership of both tangible and intangible heritage assets to ensure their effective protection and management.
Delegate anger erupts at RSP convention over factionalism and representation disputes
Frustration among delegates at the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) first general convention has intensified as delays and disputes over delegate selection continue to overshadow the event. Tensions flared at the convention venue after several attendees claimed they had not received delegate accreditation despite participating in party activities and arriving for the gathering. The situation triggered protests and slogan-shouting, with delegates accusing the leadership of promoting factional politics. Several participants alleged that internal divisions between supporters of party chairperson Ravi Lamichhane and senior leader and PM Balendra Shah had begun influencing decisions on delegate representation.
RSP leader Manish Jha hints at possible review of action against Khagendra Sunar
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Manish Jha has said that the party’s newly elected central committee may review possible disciplinary action against remarks made by Khagendra Sunar. Speaking to journalists at the party’s general convention venue in Chitwan, Jha described Sunar’s remarks as “unpolitical” and said such statements could be examined by the incoming leadership and disciplinary mechanisms. He stressed that political discourse must remain within appropriate boundaries, especially when made in formal party events. “Unpolitical comments are wrong. When someone is invited as a guest, there should be a level of respect within a defined boundary,” Jha said. “There are specific platforms for political criticism and evaluation. But once invited as a guest, one should maintain decorum. Democracy allows freedom of expression, but that does not mean one can come into a house and insult others.”
Former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel taken to Special Court
CPN-UML Vice-chair and former Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has been taken to the Special Court following his detention in Surkhet and subsequent investigation in Kathmandu. Paudel, who was arrested from Surkhet on Monday, was brought to Kathmandu and presented before the Department of Money Laundering Investigation earlier today. He was kept at the department for around two hours before being taken to the Special Court for further legal proceedings. Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed detailed charges related to the case.
Education Ministry rejects errors in Grade 12 results, calls allegations ‘propaganda’
The Ministry of Education and Sports has dismissed allegations of errors and negligence in the publication of Grade 12 examination results, insisting that the process was carried out fairly and without irregularities. Speaking at a meeting of the parliamentary Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, Education Secretary Chudamani Paudel said claims of mistakes in the results were merely “propaganda” and not supported by evidence. Paudel stated that the ministry’s review of the result publication process found no errors and concluded that answer sheets had been evaluated honestly and responsibly.
RSP closed session set to begin after two-day delay at Chitwan convention
The closed session of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) first general convention is finally set to begin after a two-day delay, with delegates beginning to enter the hall following confirmation of proceedings. The session, which had been repeatedly postponed due to disputes over delegate representation and internal disagreements, is now moving forward as preparations reach their final stage. Delegates started entering the convention hall after party leaders informed that the session would commence shortly. Party leader Samiksha Banskota, speaking from inside the hall, said the arrival of leaders was ongoing and preparations for the session’s start were nearly complete.
Displaced families fear uncertainty as authorities move to close holding centers
Families displaced from the squatter settlements and currently sheltering in holding centers have expressed growing anxiety after receiving notices directing them to vacate the facilities by June 26, despite the absence of any clear relocation or rehabilitation plan.Affected residents say they have been informed that all holding centers will be closed, but authorities have yet to explain where displaced families will be relocated or how their housing needs will be addressed. One resident living at the holding center in Radhaswami Satsang, Kirtipur, said a notice had been posted at the facility informing occupants that the center would be cleared from June 26.
RSP convention delegate alleges removal from list after announcing chairmanship bid
Controversy surrounding delegate selection at the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) first general convention has deepened after a delegate claimed he was removed from the official delegate list shortly after announcing his intention to contest for the party chairmanship. Bhola Kumar Sah (Kanu), a party representative from Bara Constituency-3, has alleged that his name was excluded from the final delegate roster after he publicly declared his candidacy for the position of party chairperson. According to Sah, his name had initially been included in the list of convention delegates representing Madhesh Province, where he was listed at serial number 102.
RSP closed session delayed amid unresolved delegate dispute
The closed session of the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) first general convention has failed to begin on schedule as disputes over delegate representation and convention management remain unresolved. The session, which was scheduled to start at 1 pm on Tuesday, had yet to commence by nearly 2 pm, reflecting ongoing disagreements within the party. The delay stems primarily from controversy surrounding the list of convention delegates. Although party leaders had planned to finalize delegate-related issues before proceeding with the closed session, consensus has yet to be reached among competing groups.
As displaced settlers wait, PM Shah distances himself from resettlement timeline
More than two months after the government launched a large-scale eviction campaign targeting settlements along riverbanks in the Kathmandu Valley, thousands of displaced residents are still waiting for permanent resettlement despite earlier assurances of swift rehabilitation. Prime Minister Balendra Shah had long advocated the removal of settlements built on public land along rivers. While a similar campaign during his tenure as Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor faced stiff resistance and ultimately failed, the issue resurfaced after he assumed the premiership in March. Acting on a notice issued by the Kathmandu District Administration Office, authorities began clearing settlements along riverbanks from April 25, ordering residents to vacate by April 24 and promising arrangements for genuine landless families within 10 to 15 days.
Pokhara clears commercial structures for long-delayed bus park project
Pokhara Metropolitan City has removed all commercial structures within the proposed bus park area at Prithvi Chowk as part of efforts to move forward with the long-delayed construction of a modern and well-equipped bus terminal. The demolition drive included Bastola Complex and shuttered commercial units and cabins located along the northern petrol pump corridor inside the proposed bus park site. The site clearance comes more than five decades after the land was acquired for the bus park project in 1973. Authorities have already begun cleaning and levelling the cleared area in preparation for construction.
Gold price drops by Rs 1,600 per tola
The price of gold declined by Rs 1,600 per tola in the Nepali market on Tuesday, according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association. With the latest adjustment, gold is being traded at Rs 287,100 per tola. On Monday, the price stood at Rs 288,700 per tola. Similarly, the price of silver also fell by Rs 140 per tola. Silver, which was previously priced at Rs 4,730 per tola, is now being traded at Rs 4,590 per tola.
Bishnu Paudel brought to Kathmandu, presented before anti-money laundering authorities
CPN-UML Vice Chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel has been presented before Nepal’s anti-money laundering authorities after being arrested in Surkhet in connection with a money laundering investigation. Paudel, who was detained on Monday from the premises of Shubha Hotel in Birendranagar, Surkhet, was brought to Kathmandu via Nepalgunj on Tuesday morning and produced before the Department of Money Laundering Investigation. According to officials, the department had requested the District Police Office in Surkhet to arrest Paudel as part of an ongoing investigation under the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
RSP leadership faces factional pressure as Gurung pushes Gen-Z representation
The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has been repeatedly delayed as disputes over delegate representation and efforts to accommodate various groups continue to dominate proceedings in Chitwan. The convention, now entering its third day, has faced mounting logistical challenges, with extreme heat affecting delegates and slowing organizational preparations. The party had planned to begin its closed-door session on Monday, but disagreements over delegate selection forced leaders to postpone the process. Delegate identity cards were only distributed to more than 4,100 representatives starting Tuesday afternoon.
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