KATHMANDU, April 25: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Bishwaraj Pokharel has issued a public apology after a video showing him confronting a school headmaster in Okhaldhunga went viral on social media.
In a press statement on Saturday, Pokharel, a former Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Nepal Police, acknowledged that he failed to exercise adequate restraint in his words and behaviour. He apologised for any harm caused to the dignity and self-respect of those involved.
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The video drew widespread criticism online. Pokharel, however, claimed that the footage had been edited and circulated without full context, potentially distorting the incident. He nonetheless admitted that, as a public office holder, he should have demonstrated greater patience and decorum.
“The video circulating on social media presents only a partial and edited version of the incident, which has led to a misrepresentation of the overall context,” the statement said. “However, I fully acknowledge that my conduct, speech and level of restraint should have been higher given my public responsibilities.”
The incident occurred at Chandeshwori Secondary School in Ragani, Khijidemba Rural Municipality–2, during Pokharel’s visit to the area. According to reports, he expressed dissatisfaction after the headmaster did not come out to receive him upon arrival.
In the widely shared clip, Pokharel is heard reprimanding the headmaster, stating that officials should come out to receive a visiting lawmaker and referring to his own status as a retired special class government officer.
Pokharel has extended his apology to his party, supporters, the school community and the public, and has pledged to maintain greater responsibility and decorum in his public conduct going forward.
