Rabi Lamichhane’s Meeting with Indian Ambassador on Election Eve: Meaningful Signal or Coincidence?

Kathmandu, February 17: Rabi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, has held a meeting with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava. This meeting, taking place as the election date approaches and amidst the sensitive situation of the ongoing court case against Lamichhane, is being viewed meaningfully in political circles.

Shortly after appearing at the Kathmandu District Court to sign his bail bond, Lamichhane went directly to Hotel Dwarika’s in Battisputali. He entered the hotel as the sun was setting and, after meeting with the Indian Ambassador for about an hour, left the hotel at 5:30 PM, according to sources. Following the meeting, Lamichhane proceeded to Tribhuvan International Airport, from where he departed for Dhangadhi, an RSP source confirmed.

This meeting occurs at a time when a case of money laundering and organized cheating against Lamichhane is sub judice in court. The government’s attempt to withdraw the case against Lamichhane, implicated in the cooperative fraud scandal, appears to have failed. The court has repeatedly ordered him to appear, and the hearing process is ongoing.

Previously, in September of last year, Indian Ambassador Srivastava had also visited the RSP central office in Baneshwar and held talks with Lamichhane. On that occasion, the RSP stated that discussions were held on bilateral assistance and matters of mutual interest. It was reported that Lamichhane emphasized the need to further strengthen Nepal-India relations and resolve issues of mutual concern through dialogue.

This meeting, occurring as the February 21 elections approach, has given rise to various speculations and comments. Political analysts suggest that the meeting with the Indian Ambassador, given the sensitive status of the case and the electoral context, cannot be viewed as ordinary. However, no official information has been released regarding the subjects discussed during the meeting.

Lamichhane’s actions today—appearing in court, meeting the ambassador, and immediately departing for Dhangadhi—indicate his busy schedule and his continuation of the election campaign. The RSP has been claiming to have filed the highest number of candidacies and received enthusiastic support from the new generation.

The RSP spokesperson has not given any official reaction regarding the meeting with the Indian Ambassador. A central member of the party, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that this meeting might have been part of regular diplomatic exchanges and should not be misinterpreted.

Meanwhile, Lamichhane’s visit to Dhangadhi is seen in connection with the election campaign. He is reported to have programs including election rallies and worker meetings there. As the election reaches its final stage, top leaders of major political parties are holding election rallies in various districts.