KATHMANDU: Amid growing political friction between Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, the Finance Minister declared on Tuesday that executive leaders—from the Prime Minister down to departmental ministers—must remain directly accountable to their political party, its leadership, and the public.

Addressing ministry secretaries during a high-level review of the fiscal year 2026/27 budget implementation plan, Wagle underscored that no cabinet member operates above party oversight, stressing an uncompromising stance on integrity, zero tolerance for corruption, and performance-aligned incentives for civil servants.

His remarks come amidst reports that Prime Minister Balen is seeking to replace Wagle and select ministers in an upcoming cabinet reshuffle, a proposal discussed during a tense meeting last Saturday with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who countered by demanding the removal of key members within the Prime Minister’s secretariat.

Adding strategic weight to Wagle’s emphasis on political hierarchy, the RSP’s recently adopted 4th statutory amendment explicitly grants the party chairman authority to recall the Prime Minister if the head of government fails to heed official leadership instructions.