Lamichhane's arrest overshadows RSP's political agenda and by-election campaigns

Kathmandu, November 20 — The focus on the President of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, has pushed the party's other significant agendas under the carpet. Lamichhane is currently in police custody based on a report prepared by the Parliamentary Investigation Special Committee regarding embezzlement in cooperatives. As a result, while the entire party has rallied in his defense, other issues like by-elections, party expansion, and activities related to the party's general convention have been sidelined.

Currently, Raswpa's primary focus appears to be street protests, with the party having announced plans to begin its street movement from November 23. 

One RSP leader told Ratopati, "The truth is, we are disturbed after the president's detention. We have not been able to establish a proper system within the party, and now we are caught up in the issue concerning the president."

Despite having become the fourth-largest party in parliament within a short time of its formation, with 21 seats, RSP has failed to plan a clear political path forward. The rapid rise of the party has not been accompanied by adequate planning for the future.

In fact, the party was rattled by the Ilam by-election and failed to field candidates in the upcoming local body by-elections on December 1. Four out of seven seats won by the party under First-past-the-post in the general election were from Kathmandu district, yet RSP could not find a candidate for the Kirtipur Municipality in Kathmandu. This highlights the fact that the party's primary agenda seems to revolve around Lamichhane alone. Without him, RSP now appears like a "lost bee without its queen."

In the lead-up to the by-elections, instead of focusing on a campaign to win local elections, the party is instead preparing for protests. With just days remaining until the election, rather than deploying central leaders to campaign in local constituencies, they are focused on traveling between Pokhara, Butwal, and Kathmandu, and holding strategic discussions with the detained president. 

Moreover, the central leadership is holding meetings and planning to "heat up the streets," following Lamichhane's directives. The party is now prioritizing personal interests over its growth and grassroots consolidation. RSP’s main goal has become the defense of Lamichhane, with some party leaders describing this focus as the only "business" of the party.

Dr. Pranay Shamser Rana, a leader who contested the 2022 elections on RSP’s ticket from Kathmandu Constituency 5, has expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s recent activities. On micro blogging site X, he voiced his frustration over the lack of candidates in Kathmandu, despite winning four seats. He urged central leaders to refocus on regular party work instead of being sidetracked by personal issues.

Rana questioned, "Why has there been no general convention for the party even after two years of its establishment? There have been excuses like the need to dissolve some constituencies. Haven't we felt the consequences of these actions? Can we actually complete the central convention in May?" He also questioned when the party would return to its regular activities, indicating that the party had become too focused on defending Lamichhane.

Among political circles, social media, and even local tea shops, there is a growing perception that RSP has become a "one-man brand" centered around Lamichhane. Events such as Lamichhane’s loss of his position as Home Minister over his dual citizenship issue, RSP’s subsequent exit from the government, and the party's refusal to join the government again after Lamichhane was denied the position of Home Minister have reinforced this narrative. 

RSP’s inability to field candidates in local elections, including in Kirtipur and other areas, further reflects the party’s focus on protecting Lamichhane, rather than growing into a political force. This is acknowledged by some within the party as well.

One party leader admitted, "We failed to learn from our mistakes. Our lack of political awareness has led to attacks on the party. We should have focused on developing the party and its systems instead of getting caught up in personal issues."

Ganesh Parajuli, a central committee member and lawmaker responsible for the by-elections, acknowledged that it was difficult to field candidates where the party’s structure had not been properly established. He emphasized the need to respect differing opinions within the party while advancing preparations for the general convention and organizational expansion.

Parajuli clarified, "This is a by-election, and there are limitations. The party’s election strategy will be based on its own strength and organizational capacity. Yes, we did not field a candidate in Kirtipur, but there is no reason to criticize us for this. Everyone has the right to voice their opinion, but not all opinions will necessarily influence decision-making."

The Parliamentary Investigation Committee's report on the cooperative scandal implicated Lamichhane along with others, including G.B. Rai and Chhabilal Joshi, for the misuse of funds. The committee has recommended disciplinary action against all three. Lamichhane was arrested in Kathmandu, taken to Pokhara and then transferred to Butwal for further questioning. He is currently in police custody in Kaski.

Following the investigation report, RSP celebrated Lamichhane's "clean chit," but after his arrest, the party has framed it as a case of political revenge and has shifted its focus to street protests. Many believe that the party's emphasis has shifted to defending Lamichhane rather than developing a broader political platform.

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, a senior leader and deputy leader of the parliamentary party, argued that the state apparatus had used Lamichhane's arrest as a form of political retaliation. He contended that the initial focus was on securing Lamichhane's release, but after his arrest, the party has resumed its broader political work. He said, "After Lamichhane’s detention, our first priority was his release, but following the first central committee meeting after his arrest, we’ve moved on to other important agendas and regular work. District-level meetings have been held, and the election management committee has begun its work."

RSP has called for Lamichhane’s release, citing concerns that he would not destroy evidence or attempt to flee, and that no further criminal charges would arise. The party has repeatedly demanded his release, arguing that it is politically motivated.

Ganesh Parajuli has also stated that the party is actively working against the corrupt government, despite accusations from critics who claim that RSP is only focused on saving Lamichhane. He emphasized that the party is working on various fronts, including electoral activities, government opposition, and raising awareness of corruption.

Within and outside the party, RSP’s top leaders, including Vice Presidents D.P. Aryal and Swarnim Wagle, have been tasked with managing protests and communications. However, they have expressed frustration over being unable to secure a meeting with the Prime Minister, even after their own party members pressured them to step down if they couldn't secure Lamichhane's release. This ongoing pressure is creating further tensions within the party. 

One leader remarked, "Political dialogue may not be enough to resolve this situation. We are under pressure, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to balance all these demands."