RSP Slams Media for Poor Coverage of Corn Cob Attack on President Lamichhane

In a bizarre incident that unfolded during a public address in Amar Singh Chowk, former home minister and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane became the target of an unconventional attack when a corn cob was hurled at him by Santosh Ranabhat, a local resident from Lamjung. The incident occurred on Saturday, leading to Ranabhat’s immediate arrest by the police for further investigation.

President Lamichhane, known for his calm demeanor, responded to the incident by refraining from interpreting Ranabhat’s actions negatively. Instead, he viewed the episode as a lesson and a manifestation of public frustration against perceived governance shortcomings. Lamichhane, addressing the gathered crowd, urged them not to mistreat the assailant, expressing his intention to preserve the corn cob as a symbol of public dissent.

However, the RSP criticized certain media outlets for their alleged “very poor” coverage of the corn cob incident. The party’s General Secretary issued a statement on Sunday, condemning the inclusion of irrelevant topics in news reports while neglecting key facts.

“Our serious attention has been drawn to the news broadcasted by adding irrelevant topics while completely ignoring the facts,” the General Secretary stated. “In Pokhara, the reason behind the attack on President Lamichhane by the individual is unclear. Neither the police nor the attacker has provided public information about the incident. President Lamichhane has not been questioned yet. We express regret for the news that has been circulated with the intent to assassinate the character of President Lamichhane, based on speculation without official information.”

Furthermore, the General Secretary emphasized the RSP’s unwavering commitment to press freedom and freedom of expression. He cautioned media outlets against disseminating misleading news and warned of potential consequences, stating, “Disseminating misleading news is against the spirit of independent journalism. Some media outlets have attempted to tarnish the emerging image of the entire party, along with the character assassination of President Lamichhane, by disseminating misleading news regarding yesterday’s incident. We caution all related media to be prepared to face due process.”