PM Seeks Palace Clarification over King’s Kumari Visit

Kathmandu, October 1

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala on Monday sought clarification from the royal palace on King’s visit to the Kumari Ghar at Basantapur yesterday without government permission.The PM called royal palace’s principal secretary Pashupati Bhakta Maharjan this morning and grilled him over the King’s visit.The King late last night reached Basantapur to receive tika from the ‘Living Goddess’ Kumari. Before the King’s visit, the Prime Minister had received blessing from the Kumari as the interim head of the state.

During his meeting with a group of his party’s former district presidents, PM Koirala revealed that he has sought explanation from the palace. Koirala also revealed that he discussed the issue with Army Chief Rookmangud Katawal.An NC leader quoted Koirala as saying that he will also challenge the king if the king tries to challenge the government.During the meeting, the former presidents handed a memorandum to PM expressing their dissatisfaction over their ouster from the post after the party unification.They have accused the PM of disregardeding seniority, loyalty and contribution to party while choosing the district presidents and forming district committees after the unification.Twenty-nine former presidents including Govinda Raj Joshi, Jagdish Narsingh KC were present in the meeting. The PM assured them of justice in the party.