May 19, Kathmandu- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli expressed his displeasure at the absence of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah from the Republic Day preparatory committee meeting held at Singha Durbar today.

The meeting, which was attended by Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol and Lalitpur Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, formed the 'Republic Day Main Celebration Committee 2082' to oversee the celebrations. The Prime Minister had directed officials to celebrate the Republic Day with enthusiasm.

It is understood that the Prime Minister's anger was directed at Mayor Shah's absence from the meeting, although his name was not mentioned explicitly. The meeting was held at the Prime Minister's Office, and it remains to be seen how the city will prepare for the Republic Day celebrations.