KATHMANDU: Signs of an internal power struggle between Prime Minister Balen Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane are becoming increasingly visible, despite repeated denials from both sides.

The latest indication came this week when Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle held separate meetings with Nepal Rastra Bank officials and commercial bank chief executives without involving the central bank’s governor. The move followed a series of meetings chaired by Prime Minister Shah with private-sector representatives and financial regulators, from which Wagle was absent.

The parallel consultations have fuelled speculation of competing power centres within the government, with both leaders pursuing similar economic agendas through separate channels.

Political differences have also surfaced within the ruling RSP. During a recent Central Committee meeting, some leaders reportedly questioned proposed amendments to the party statute concerning the parliamentary party leadership, while senior leaders have become increasingly critical of the government’s handling of recent communal unrest in Madhes.

Although both Shah and Wagle have publicly denied any rift, recent developments have reinforced perceptions of growing divisions within the RSP leadership. Political observers say the parallel decision-making process risks undermining policy coordination and exposing deeper factional tensions inside Nepal’s governing party.