Shrestha slams govt over politicization of NRB Governor appointment

KATHMANDU: Senior Vice Chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has strongly criticized the government for turning the appointment of the Nepal Rastra Bank Governor into what he called a “shameful political bargaining game.”

Speaking at a press meet organized by the Press Center Nepal in Tamghas, Gulmi, Shrestha accused the current ruling coalition of violating legal procedures and reducing the post of central bank governor — a key financial regulatory position — to mere political spoils.

“As per the law, a new governor should be appointed one month prior to the incumbent’s retirement. However, the government has completely disregarded this requirement and is instead engaged in power-sharing negotiations,” Shrestha stated. “It is shameful that the Nepali Congress is openly claiming the Governor’s post as its share. Such casual handling of one of the most critical economic institutions is a matter of disgrace for the people of Nepal.”

He also alleged that the recommendation committee responsible for selecting the Governor has been rendered inactive. “A central bank governor should be an expert — clean, competent, and independent. But Congress and UML are playing political games with a highly sensitive institution like the Rastra Bank,” Shrestha said.

He further claimed that the current government only holds arithmetic legitimacy, lacking political morality. “The government is promoting corruption, authoritarianism, and opacity. It is power-centric, not people-centric,” he remarked.

In a separate context, Shrestha clarified that the Maoist Centre is not aiming to dismantle the current government but is issuing warnings in the hope of encouraging effective governance. “If we are to join the government again, it will only be under clear terms,” he said. “Our condition is the adoption of clean governance, transparency, and a people-focused approach.”

Shrestha also took aim at recent remarks by former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, stating, “A country cannot be run with offhand comments. The Prime Minister must learn to correct his rhetoric. Politics should be practiced with discipline and dignity.”