Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey, proposed as Nepal’s ambassador to India, was questioned by the parliamentary hearing committee in Singha Durbar on Monday, where lawmakers from the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) raised concerns about alleged family political influence and other issues, including demonetisation and border problems. RSP lawmaker Rajiv Khatri asked Pandey whether he was a “nepo baby,” referring to the Gen Z movement, while making clear that he was not questioning Pandey’s qualifications or ability.
RSP lawmaker raises family-influence question
The exchange brought questions about political connections into the hearing on Pandey’s proposed appointment. Khatri’s use of the term “nepo baby” pointed to allegations of family influence, rather than a challenge to Pandey’s professional qualifications. He recalled the Gen Z movement while putting the question to the nominee.
Khatri specifically told Pandey that he was not questioning his qualifications or capability. The distinction was central to the exchange: the lawmaker raised the issue of family influence while separating it from an assessment of Pandey’s ability to serve. The available account does not provide further details about Pandey’s response to the question.
The hearing took place before the parliamentary committee tasked with examining the proposed ambassador. Pandey appeared in Singha Durbar on Monday as lawmakers questioned him on a range of matters. The discussion, as reported, extended beyond the controversy over political influence and included policy and bilateral concerns.
Demonetisation and border issues also discussed
Demonetisation and border problems were among the other topics raised during the hearing. The reported account identifies these subjects as part of the questioning, but does not specify the detailed questions put to Pandey or his answers on either issue. Both therefore featured in the committee discussion without further positions or commitments being recorded in the available information.
The range of subjects showed that the committee’s questioning was not limited to the personal and political circumstances surrounding the proposed appointment. Lawmakers also brought up issues with relevance to India and Nepal’s relationship, including border concerns, as well as demonetisation. No additional details are available about the particular border issues discussed or what aspect of demonetisation was addressed.
Hearing puts proposed appointment under scrutiny
The questioning forms part of the parliamentary hearing on Pandey’s proposed role as Nepal’s ambassador to India. The questions reported from Monday’s meeting touched on his suitability, alleged family political influence and wider issues raised by lawmakers. The account does not state whether the committee reached a decision on the appointment or what further steps may follow.
The exchange between Khatri and Pandey placed the “nepo baby” allegation in the hearing’s public discussion, but Khatri’s clarification was that he did not doubt Pandey’s qualifications or ability. Alongside that exchange, the committee also addressed demonetisation and border problems. Further details about the nominee’s responses and the committee’s eventual consideration of the appointment were not included in the available report.
