Dahal Says Ravi Lamichhane Is Showing Greater Political Maturity, Predicts Balen Government Will Not Last Long

Dragon Media Correspondent

Nepal Communist Party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” has said that Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Ravi Lamichhane is demonstrating comparatively greater political maturity, while arguing that the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah is becoming increasingly directionless and may not remain in office for long.

Speaking with journalists covering parliamentary affairs at the NCP parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar on Monday, Dahal said he remains in regular contact with the RSP leadership.

Referring to his previous experience working with Lamichhane and other RSP leaders in his own Cabinet, Dahal said he has no difficulty understanding or communicating with them.

“Ravi Lamichhane, Speaker DP Aryal and Biraj Bhakta Shrestha all worked in my Cabinet, so it is not difficult for me to understand them or speak with them,” Dahal said. He added that his dialogue with the RSP leadership has remained regular, although he has not maintained similar communication with Prime Minister Shah.

Comparing the political styles of Shah and Lamichhane, Dahal said there was a growing perception that Lamichhane had shown comparatively greater political maturity.

He also praised Lamichhane’s efforts to engage political parties in dialogue during the recent Hindu-Muslim tensions in Sunsari, saying that consultation and political coordination were essential in resolving complex social and political disputes.

Dahal has previously criticized Prime Minister Shah’s governing style in Parliament, arguing that leaders do not become weaker by consulting others. He has urged the Prime Minister to change his approach and seek advice from more experienced political figures.

Referring to his longstanding political relationship with Lamichhane, Dahal recalled that he had publicly defended him during difficult periods and had also visited him in prison.

“Raviji still has a debt of gratitude to repay. I defended him many times, both in Parliament and publicly. I went to see him in prison and spoke to journalists after coming out. He has not forgotten all of that,” Dahal said.

Dahal also sharply criticized the current government’s direction, comparing it to “a ship that has lost its compass at sea.”

“The government has become directionless, like a ship that has lost its compass in the sea. There is no clear vision or plan. Friction appears to be growing between the government and the RSP leadership. This government will not last very long,” he said.

Dahal’s remarks are likely to add to the broader political debate over Prime Minister Shah’s governing style, coordination within the ruling camp and the future stability of the government.