KATHMANDU: Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, avoided answering journalists’ questions regarding his use of a luxury vehicle allegedly provided by a controversial businessman facing multiple legal cases.
After returning from an election tour of Jhapa Constituency No. 5 and several districts of Koshi Province, Shah was staying at the residence of his associate Kumar Ben in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, on Sunday. As he was leaving the house, journalists surrounded him and raised questions about the vehicle he has been using during the election campaign.
Earlier, while discussing election preparations and strategy, Shah had claimed that the RSP would secure a clear majority in the upcoming election.
However, when questioned about the luxury vehicle, he chose not to respond and instead hurried towards a white car, closely followed and shielded by his associate.
As he exited the residence, journalists asked, “There are reports that you are using a vehicle worth millions provided by a businessman. There is controversy surrounding this. Please respond.” Shah, however, rushed towards the vehicle, seemingly trying to avoid the media, while his aides attempted to block journalists.
Despite repeated questions, including one journalist asking in a raised voice, “There are claims that you are using a vehicle worth eight crore rupees. You need to respond to this,” Shah did not offer any clarification. Surrounded by his aides, he left the area without addressing the media.
It has since been revealed that the black Land Rover Defender bearing registration number Bagmati Province 01-033 Cha 4343, which Shah has been using for election campaigning, is owned by controversial businessman Kamal Kishor Malpani.
The Land Rover Defender, manufactured by Jaguar Land Rover Limited, is reported to be priced at around Rs 8 crore in Nepal, although its actual selling price is said to be Rs 42.9 million. Only four units of the Defender have been imported into Nepal.
Malpani was awarded the Manpadavi Janasewashree medal a few years ago. However, in 2076 BS, the Department of Revenue Investigation filed cases against him on charges of tax evasion and submission of fake VAT bills.
Balen Shah is contesting the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 from Jhapa–5, where he is facing CPN-UML chairperson KP Sharma Oli.
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