Nepal’s Finance Minister Absent from Key Meetings Amid Tensions with Prime Minister

Nepal’s Finance Minister, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, has been noticeably absent from several key meetings with the private sector, sparking concerns about his relationship with Prime Minister Balendra Shah.

According to sources, Prime Minister Shah has been holding meetings with various stakeholders, including industrialists, bankers, and investors, without inviting Dr. Wagle. This has led to speculation about a rift between the two leaders.

One source close to the Prime Minister’s office revealed that Dr. Wagle’s absence from these meetings is not a coincidence. ‘The Prime Minister has been bypassing the Finance Minister and dealing directly with other stakeholders, which has created tension between them,’ the source said.

Another source suggested that the tension between the two leaders may be linked to the recent budget announcement, which Dr. Wagle had presented. ‘The Prime Minister was not happy with the budget, and Dr. Wagle’s failure to address his concerns has created a rift between them,’ the source claimed.

Dr. Wagle’s absence from the meetings has also raised eyebrows among the private sector stakeholders, who are wondering why the Finance Minister is not being involved in key discussions. ‘It’s unusual for the Finance Minister to be absent from such important meetings,’ said one industrialist who attended a meeting with the Prime Minister.

The tension between the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister has also been linked to the recent party convention, where Dr. Wagle was seen as a key player. ‘The Prime Minister is wary of Dr. Wagle’s growing influence within the party, and this may be a reason for his absence from key meetings,’ said a party insider.

Despite the tension, Dr. Wagle has maintained that he has a good relationship with the Prime Minister. However, sources close to the Prime Minister’s office suggest that the relationship between the two leaders is strained.

The absence of Dr. Wagle from key meetings has also raised concerns about the government’s ability to implement its economic policies. ‘The Finance Minister plays a crucial role in implementing the government’s economic policies, and his absence from key meetings may hinder the implementation of these policies,’ said an economist.