Rabi Lamichhane
Born: June 11, 1975
Occupation: Politician, Former Journalist
Current Position: Member of the House of Representatives (Chitwan 2)
Political Party: Rastriya Swatantra Party
Early Life and Education
Rabi Lamichhane was born on June 11, 1975, in Nepal. With a passion for journalism and social activism, he began his career in media before transitioning into politics.
Broadcast Career
Lamichhane gained recognition as a prominent television personality in Nepal. He first rose to fame in April 2013 as the host of a marathon television show on News24, where he set the Guinness World Record for the longest continuous television hosting, lasting over 62 hours. The show’s theme focused on promoting Nepal globally, emphasizing that “Buddha was born in Nepal.”
He later hosted the popular talk show Sidha Kura Pradhanmantri Sanga (Straight Talk with the Prime Minister) on Nepal Television, where he engaged with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Following this, he hosted Sidha Kura Janata Sanga on News24, combining editorial monologues with investigative journalism, often confronting alleged perpetrators of fraud and corruption.
In January 2021, Lamichhane resigned from News24 to launch a new version of his show on Galaxy 4K TV.
Political Career
On June 16, 2022, Lamichhane announced his candidacy for the 2022 general elections and founded the Rastriya Swatantra Party on June 21. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Chitwan 2 on November 20, 2022, securing 49,300 votes (61.05%).
His tenure as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister was marked by significant public support, but it faced challenges, including legal issues regarding his citizenship. In January 2023, the Supreme Court ruled that he did not follow due process in obtaining Nepali citizenship, leading to his removal from office.
However, after re-acquiring his citizenship, Lamichhane contested a by-election in April 2023, where he was re-elected with a substantial majority, receiving 54,176 votes (70.03%).
Legal Issues
Suicide Incitement Case
In August 2019, Lamichhane was arrested in connection with the suicide of journalist Shalikram Pudasaini. Pudasaini named him in a video before his death, alleging that Lamichhane’s actions contributed to his despair. Although arrested and later released on bail, Lamichhane was cleared of all charges by the court.
Citizenship Controversy
Lamichhane, who was an American citizen from 2007 to 2017, faced scrutiny over his dual citizenship status. The Supreme Court ruled that he had not correctly re-obtained his Nepali citizenship, which resulted in the loss of his governmental positions. He rectified this by re-acquiring citizenship in January 2023.
Financial Embezzlement Allegations
In 2024, Lamichhane was implicated in a financial embezzlement scandal involving cooperatives, with allegations of illegal financial activities alongside his previous employer, GB Rai. Despite denying the accusations, legal experts suggest he may face prosecution based on the findings of a parliamentary investigation.
Personal Life
Lamichhane was previously married to Isha Lamichhane for 24 years, with whom he shares a long history before their divorce in 2019. He married Nikita Poudel, the chair of the Nepal Film Development Board, on January 21, 2019.
Conclusion
Rabi Lamichhane’s journey from journalism to politics exemplifies his commitment to addressing societal issues. His influence and popularity reflect a complex legacy that intertwines public service with legal challenges.
