JSP Nepal expels eight leaders
The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP-N) has expelled eight leaders for filing nominations against the party’s official candidates to contest the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, the party said on Wednesday.
Those expelled are Pradeep Yadav, Chandan Kumar Singh, Atma Ram Sah, Kamrullah Ansari, Udayakant Mishra, Hari Narayan Yadav, Nawal Kishor Singh, and Dr. Shiva Ji Yadav.
In a statement, party patron Mahanta Thakur and Chairman Upendra Yadav said the action was taken for violating party policies and decisions.
NC President Thapa vows to dedicate himself to development works by staying with people
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said elected Members of Parliament must maintain direct contact with their voters.
Thapa, who is contesting the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives from Sarlahi-4, said he would remain closely engaged with constituents and focus on development by establishing a liaison office in the constituency.
Speaking at a program in Dhankaul, Sarlahi, on Thursday, Thapa said he would prioritise addressing issues related to education, health, and employment in the region.
He said his previous political experience in the hills and urban areas would help him better understand and work for the Madhes.
“I have come here not only as a leader but as a son of the people,” Thapa said, pledging to respect the mandate of voters and work in line with their aspirations. He also said public suggestions and feedback would be incorporated into his work.
The 49-year-old leader has been holding meetings with party cadres, leaders, and local residents as part of his election campaign.
On the occasion, Thapa, who recently assumed office as president of the country’s oldest democratic party, welcomed new members into the Nepali Congress.
According to his secretariat, Thapa is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on Friday.
NA members criticize former ministers for contesting elections
National Assembly (NA) members have criticized four former ministers of the incumbent government, who were mandated to conduct the elections, for deciding to contest in the polls themselves.
Speaking at a special session of the upper house on Tuesday, lawmakers said the four ministers had deviated from their responsibilities by entering the electoral race. They expressed concern that such a move raises serious moral questions about the credibility of the government.
Narayan Datta Bhatta said it was objectionable for ministers of a civic or interim government to contest elections, adding that such a tendency appeared to be driven by a desire to access state power.
Similarly, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the four ministers had abandoned their moral responsibility by contesting the elections under their respective party banners.
Sumitra B.C. termed the move irresponsible, stating that ministers entrusted with conducting elections within six months of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) had failed in their duty by leaving their posts midway.
Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Maya Prasad Sharma called for guarantees to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, impartial, and peaceful environment.
Meanwhile, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar urged the incumbent government to focus on promoting good governance and controlling corruption.
FinMin Khanal calls for collective efforts to withdraw Nepal from FATF Gray List
Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has said that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and authorities to work toward removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List related to money laundering issues.
Speaking at a program organized to mark the National Anti- Money Laundering Day - 2082 BS , themed “Money Laundering Prevention: Transparency and Fiscal Discipline,” the minister stressed the need to create a solid foundation for Nepal’s removal from the Gray List within a year by completing all required reform measures.
He said that the economic reform initiatives undertaken by the government are not driven by pressure or compulsion from the international community. Rather, the efforts aim to build corruption-free institutions, promote transparency and good governance, and strengthen the national economy.
According to the minister, initiatives to prevent money laundering do not impose additional economic burdens or unnecessary costs on the country.
He argued that the lower-than-expected inflow of foreign investment is due to weak confidence in Nepal’s financial system, underscoring the need to create an investment-friendly environment through reforms.
Expressing hope that the reform efforts would be completed by the end of 2026, the minister also called for greater effectiveness in investigation, prosecution, and action in money laundering cases.
He stressed that cases should be prepared with strong evidence and provisions for the prompt seizure of property.
The minister also raised concerns about transparency issues not only in the financial market but also in the capital market.
He said that a provision mandating the use of the banking system for corporate transactions exceeding Rs 500,000 thereby putting a ceiling on the cash transactions has been in effect since January 15.
However, he clarified that despite concerns raised by the private sector, the ceiling on cash transactions would not be increased.
