KATHMANDU, JULY 10

Mukul Dhakal, former General Secretary of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, who was suspended on Tuesday, accused party chair and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane of cooperative fraud cases today at a press conference in Kathmandu.

Dhakal, who spoke one-way for about 45 minutes before walking away without answering journalists' questions, revealed that he used to defend Lamichhane's every move. However, it has faded now, and trust has diminished.

An independent probe committee must be established within the party as the Supreme Court has mandated an inquiry into Lamichhane's role in the cooperative case, he said.

"Initially, I supported him, believing that he lacked adequate knowledge of existing laws. The future of our party has been affected by this issue, so the party needs to look into it," Dhakal stated. "Establishing an inquiry committee is essential, particularly in light of the Supreme Court's decision that Lamichhane should be the subject of an inquiry in the cooperative fraud case."

Lamichhane, a former television host and managing director of a channel co-founded by GB Rai, has also been accused of embezzling tens of millions of rupees in collusion with Rai.

Dhakal accused the RSP of devolving into a 'Rabi Lamichhane club' and emphasised the importance of restoring the party to its proper form.

Dhakal claimed that the party removed him from his positions without providing him with the opportunity for clarification required by the Political Parties Act, which he believes violates the law.