KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah has dismissed Ward No. 17 Chair Nabin Manandhar from his position as the spokesperson of the metropolis following sharp criticism directed at the mayor.

Manandhar, who played a crucial role in facilitating Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain’s entry into office on April 3, has been replaced by Ward No. 5 Chair Birendra Prajapati.

Prajapati has not only taken over the role of spokesperson but has also been appointed as the coordinator of the Information Technology Committee.

Manandhar’s removal follows a dramatic series of events where he led a group of ward chairpersons and municipal employees and facilitated forceful entry of Guragain into his office in Kamaladi, bypassing city police barricades.

In the aftermath, Manandhar openly criticized Mayor Shah, stating that despite supporting him for three years, he could no longer stand by the mayor’s leadership.

Manandhar had been appointed as the spokesperson of Kathmandu Metropolitan City on July 18, 2022.