DP asked about 'acting president'; Swarnim smiles in response

Pokhara, November 11 — Leaders including DP Aryal, the Vice President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who had declared that Rabi Lamichhane would remain the party president as long as he is alive, spent half an hour in police custody at the Kaski District Police Office on Monday afternoon.

In his speech on Sunday, DP Aryal had said, "As long as Rabi Lamichhane is alive, he will remain the president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Even if he is in custody, even if he is in jail, Rabi Lamichhane will still be the president of RSP." 

He did not stop there and added, "There are many examples worldwide where parties have been run from jail. There are examples of people leading governments the day after being released from prison."

Lamichhane is currently in police custody in Kaski on charges of cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime. The Kaski District Court has extended his detention for the fourth time to continue the investigation.

DP's speech raised a question: Does this mean that no other leader can become president of RSP as long as Rabi Lamichhane is alive? Or will the party cease to exist if something happens to Rabi?

After meeting Rabi in custody on Monday, DP clarified his earlier statement, saying, "The issue of 'as long as he is alive' is being commented on. I will say again—according to the party's constitution, as long as he desires, Rabi Lamichhane is the president. I meant that we should not take actions that might harm him."

RSP has two vice presidents. When asked about the acting president, DP commented, "The acting president is a minor issue. Both of us have said this before. If the signature is blocked, we will consult with the party president and take authority."

When questioned about the acting president, Dr. Swarnim Wagle, another vice president, smiled slightly and did not respond. He has not yet spoken about the acting president. Inside RSP, there is a search for Rabi's successor. Some view DP as the successor, while others believe Swarnim should lead the party.

When asked about the acting president on Monday, DP responded while Dr. Swarnim excused himself, saying he had to leave because his "flight was about to depart."

Currently, there is also a search for the "captain" of RSP in the ongoing protests. When asked about the leadership of the movement, acting spokesperson Manish Jha responded, "The leadership of the movement is being provided by the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Unlike the old parties, we do not have a single captain. We are all captains. It is not the case that we cannot find one. Everyone is taking responsibility and working."

He clarified that there is no rush to make hasty decisions as the movement progresses in a legal manner.

Although the leaders did not openly discuss the meeting with Rabi in custody, the party's central committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday and the press conference afterward are expected to provide further clarity.

Ravi Lamichhane has called for more public awareness regarding the 'political vendetta' against him. The leaders nodded and left. RSP had already decided in its central committee to carry out a second phase of strong protests.

On Tuesday, there are plans to transfer Rabi Lamichhane to Butwal. However, the direction of RSP's protest movement remains undecided.