KATHMANDU: The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah has adopted a strategy to bring individuals implicated in past incidents and cases under legal action.
According to sources, Prime Minister Shah on Sunday instructed secretaries and ministers not to allow any accused to escape accountability under any pretext while ensuring that innocent individuals are not implicated.
He also warned that officials who find it difficult to work under this approach may step aside voluntarily. Shah has reportedly asked ministers as well to cooperate with the government by resigning if they are unwilling to follow the directive.
A secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers said Shah had urged officials to work without political prejudice and strictly within the law.
“He has instructed us not to act outside the law and not to allow anyone found guilty under the law to go free,” the secretary said, adding that the prime minister also asked those unwilling to work in the country’s interest to step aside.
Instructions to administrative bodies
Shah is preparing to instruct agencies under his authority to move forward with activities in line with the government’s agenda.
Within the next few days, he is also expected to issue directives to provincial chiefs, chief ministers, provincial secretaries and chief district officers, according to his secretariat. The directive will emphasize equal enforcement of the law without being either lenient or harsh toward any individual.
Shah, who is also a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and party chair Rabi Lamichhane have reportedly taken a firm stance that those found guilty in various incidents should not receive immunity.
At the same time, party leaders claim the government is working with a strategy to avoid political vendetta while ensuring legal accountability.
Security agencies activated
Prime Minister Shah has also directed security agencies to carry out their duties with high morale. Along with Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, he has asked security bodies to take action.
Following the directive, the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police has begun investigations under money laundering provisions into the assets of several former prime ministers and ministers.
Those reportedly under scrutiny include former prime ministers Jhala Nath Khanal, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Madhav Kumar Nepal and Baburam Bhattarai, along with their family members and relatives.
Sources say the investigation began on Sunday. Authorities have indicated that more high-profile individuals could face arrest in the coming days. On Sunday, the CIB also detained former energy minister Deepak Khadka.
Agreement on asset probe
Sources claim that Shah and Lamichhane have reached an understanding to investigate the assets of political leaders and officials who have held high office since 1990.
Party vice-chair DP Aryal said the government is committed to bringing all individuals under the law regardless of political affiliation and without pursuing revenge.
Aryal said the government is determined to open past reports and investigate the assets of political leaders, including those related to the Gen Z protests held on Bhadra 23 and 24.
Home Minister Gurung has repeatedly stated that no one is above the law and that all individuals found guilty will face legal action.
Consultation with legal experts
Prime Minister Shah has also been holding consultations with legal experts before making key decisions.
“We are working in consultation with legal experts. The government knows what should and should not be done,” a member of the prime minister’s secretariat said. “All actions are being carried out within the law and policy, without pressure, influence or revenge.”
Review of political appointments
The government is also preparing to revoke political appointments made by the previous administration.
Those appointed politically have reportedly been asked to step down voluntarily. If they refuse, the government may annul their appointments.
Industry Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said the government is under pressure to deliver results within its first 100 days.
“If this government fails to deliver within 100 days, it will face criticism from the public and it would undermine the public mandate,” he said.
Call for restraint
Former attorney general Yuvraj Sangraula said the government can arrest and investigate anyone except the president.
However, he suggested that former prime ministers and ministers should ideally be notified before arrest.
“If they fail to appear after being informed, then arresting them would strengthen the government’s credibility,” he said, adding that the current approach appears somewhat lacking in restraint.
Sangraula also urged political leaders to pursue legal and rational debate rather than street protests.
He called on Prime Minister Shah to work as a government for the citizens and to proceed with patience and restraint.
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