Rabi Lamichhane, a prominent figure in Nepali media and politics, began his career through humble journalism and later established himself as an influential personality in Nepali society. His name is once again in the media spotlight, but this time linked to the Shalikram Pudasaini suicide case and the recent cooperative scandal that has garnered widespread attention. Nepal Aaja was the first to bring the Shalikram case to public attention, which had a significant impact on Lamichhane's career.

Initial Journey: Guinness World Record and Rise in Journalism

Rabi Lamichhane’s entry into the media took a historic turn in 2013. He set a Guinness World Record by hosting a 62-hour-long program under the slogan "Buddha was born in Nepal," which brought Nepal into the global spotlight. This achievement earned him public interest and support, establishing Lamichhane as a prominent media figure.

His subsequent journey was equally remarkable. Through his show "Sidha Kura Janata Sanga," Lamichhane exposed corruption, social injustices, and political dissatisfaction, solidifying his position as a bold and impartial journalist in Nepali media.

Becoming a Media Entrepreneur: Gorkha Media and Galaxy 4K TV

Lamichhane’s journey was not confined to journalism. He founded Gorkha Media, which later launched Galaxy 4K TV in partnership with Jitendra Babu Rai and Chhabilal Joshi. This television network further strengthened his media presence by addressing critical societal issues.

However, his career also started encountering controversies during this period. In particular, the Shalikram Pudasaini suicide case in 2019 brought Lamichhane’s name into serious dispute.

Shalikram Pudasaini Suicide Case

In 2019, journalist Shalikram Pudasaini committed suicide. In a video recorded before his death, Pudasaini accused Rabi Lamichhane and others of causing him mental distress. Nepal Aaja first released this video, causing a media frenzy in Nepal.

In the video, Pudasaini said, "Rabi Dai, you forced me to take this step. The world will soon see your true face." This statement severely damaged Lamichhane’s public image. Following this, Lamichhane was arrested, initiating a long legal process. Although he was later released on bail, the incident left a permanent scar on his media career.

Entering Politics and Founding Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)

Despite the legal troubles stemming from the Shalikram case, Lamichhane was also laying plans to enter politics. In 2022, he founded the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), targeting disillusioned young voters dissatisfied with traditional politics. He positioned himself as a leader for the new generation and a symbol of change.

RSP achieved remarkable success in the 2022 general elections. Lamichhane won a seat in Parliament from Chitwan-2 with a significant margin, marking his formal entry into politics. RSP’s political journey advanced swiftly with several achievements.

Appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister

After the electoral victory, Lamichhane was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. However, his tenure in these roles was short-lived. A citizenship controversy quickly endangered his position. Accused of holding dual citizenship, the Supreme Court revoked both his MP seat and ministerial post.

This legal dispute posed a significant challenge to his political future, but Lamichhane resolved the citizenship issue and contested the by-election from Chitwan-2 once again, securing another victory.

Cooperative Scandal and Recent Arrest

Currently, Rabi Lamichhane finds himself embroiled in yet another legal controversy. In October 2024, he was arrested in connection with a cooperative scandal involving an alleged financial irregularity of NPR 1.35 billion. He was apprehended by the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) under the orders of the Kaski District Court.

This cooperative scandal has introduced a new layer of controversy to Lamichhane’s political career, casting further uncertainty on his future. The same Rabi Lamichhane who once rose to fame as a media mogul and later entered politics, now faces the weight of allegations related to both the Shalikram Pudasaini suicide case and the ongoing scandal.

Conclusion

Rabi Lamichhane’s journey from media to politics has been full of ups and downs. He was once a beloved media personality, but after the Shalikram Pudasaini case, his critics grew in number. The recent cooperative scandal has added further pressure on him. How his journey will proceed remains uncertain, but it seems that Lamichhane's name will continue to be associated with controversies and challenges.

Ravi Lamichhane