RSP delays new General Secretary appointment

Kathmandu, September 5 — The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has postponed the appointment of a new General Secretary following action taken against Mukul Dhakal.

Currently, Joint General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti is serving as Acting General Secretary, while Manish Jha is acting as spokesperson. However, the party has not officially assigned full responsibilities to either individual, nor has it appointed a new General Secretary or spokesperson.

RSP has scheduled a national-level meeting for October 17 and 18. In preparation for this meeting, the party leadership is engaged in discussions across all provinces. To date, meetings in four provinces have been completed. Vice President Dolprasad (DP) Aryal stated that the party has no plans to assign new responsibilities before the national meeting in October.

Aryal told Ratopati, “There are no preparations to assign new responsibilities before the national meeting.” Currently, the party has three Joint General Secretaries: Kabindra Burlakoti, Sumana Shrestha, and Bipin Acharya. Burlakoti is serving as Acting General Secretary, while Acharya and Shrestha have expressed interest in the position.

Additionally, party Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar and MP Shishir Khanal are also seeking the role of General Secretary. Other central and parliamentary party leaders are also interested. This ongoing debate within the party is expected to continue until a decision is made.

Deputy Spokesperson Pratibha Rawal, Deputy Chief of the Disciplinary Committee Yagyamani Neupane, and others have also expressed their aspirations for the General Secretary position. Neupane has stated that he would work to accelerate the party's activities if appointed.

A party leader expressed concerns about potential conflicts between the President and Vice President if both positions are filled. Ultimately, the decision rests with President Rabi Lamichhane, and the person he prefers will be appointed as General Secretary and Spokesperson.

Acting General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti noted that the decision falls under President Lamichhane’s jurisdiction. “There doesn’t seem to be much more preparation needed. Despite being a caretaker, the current work is proceeding well without significant issues, so there is no need to rush,” he said.

Birajbhakta Shrestha, Deputy Leader of the party’s parliamentary group, suggested that the acting positions might continue until the national meeting in April. “This topic is not currently under discussion,” he said.

Previously, RSP had removed Mukul Dhakal from his roles as General Secretary and Spokesperson due to disciplinary issues.