Prime Minister Balen Shah met RSP President Ravi Lamichhane at his residence in Budhanilkantha on Wednesday for a four-hour discussion about major political and government matters.
The meeting began at about 10:15 a.m. and ended at 2:15 p.m. Topics reportedly included important government issues, new ordinances and key political appointments.
Shah was accompanied by his chief adviser, Kumar Ben.
Four-Hour Talks on Major Government Matters
The lengthy discussion was believed to focus on important issues requiring coordination between the Prime Minister and the RSP chair.
The two were thought to have discussed significant government decisions, new ordinances and key appointments. However, neither side issued a detailed account of the conversation or any agreements reached.
The talks took place as the government faces several pending decisions.
The length of the meeting has prompted questions about whether the two leaders reached a shared understanding.
Cabinet Meeting Postponed
A Cabinet meeting planned for today has been moved to Thursday.
The postponement followed the extended talks between Shah and Lamichhane, though it is not clear whether disagreements between them played a role. No detailed official explanation was provided.
The delay has increased attention on the decisions and appointments under consideration.
The Cabinet meeting is expected to draw interest.
Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki’s position was also reportedly discussed.
Reports suggested the two leaders might disagree over who should become the next Police Chief if the government chooses to replace Karki. However, there is no confirmed information that he will be replaced.
The issue has attracted attention because appointments to senior security positions can carry significant implications.
A subcommittee meeting on Karki and police matters is also scheduled for Thursday at Singha Durbar.
Any decision about the Police Chief would require further clarification. Based on the reports available, it cannot be assumed that a decision has been made.
Visit to India
The leaders were also believed to have discussed Lamichhane’s recent trip to India.
Lamichhane arrived back in Kathmandu late Sunday night on an Air India flight. No information has been released about what the two leaders discussed.
Shah is reportedly preparing to travel to New Delhi in the first week of Mangsir, according to the Nepali calendar.
His planned trip follows recent visits to India by several ministers and RSP leaders. However, no details about the agenda have been confirmed.
First In Person Meeting in About Two Months
The meeting was believed to be the first time the two had met face to face in about two months.
As Prime Minister and RSP chair, respectively, they were discussing matters of importance.
Communication between the government and the ruling party is essential as they face several major decisions on appointments and policies.
Still, the absence of a detailed statement has left questions about what was discussed.
Political Developments
The four hour discussion has drawn attention to the relationship between the Prime Minister and the RSP chair.
The postponed Cabinet meeting, reports of discussions about key appointments and speculation surrounding the Police Chief have raised interest in the government’s next steps.
No agreements on these matters have been confirmed.
Further information from the government or RSP leaders will be needed to establish what, if anything, has been decided.