Agendas of upcoming RSP Central Committee meeting unclear

Kathmandu, December 31 — The Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is experiencing "political tension" due to charges filed against President Rabi Lamichhane related to cooperative embezzlement.​​​​​​ The crisis within the party arose after a case was filed against Lamichhane in the Kaski District Court on charges of cooperative fraud, money laundering, and organized crime.

Political analysts believe that RSP, which emerged as the fourth largest political force in parliamentary politics due to Lamichhane's "image," is now facing difficulties as Lamichhane is embroiled in one controversy after another. With the case moving forward based on the report of the parliamentary committee on cooperatives, concerns and uncertainty are rising about whether the party will be able to maintain organizational stability.

Following the registration of the case, RSP’s Vice President Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal has taken command of the party. On December 27, 2024 the party's Secretariat meeting decided to hold an expanded central committee meeting on January 3, 4, and 5 in 2025.

The upcoming central committee meeting is seen as highly significant, as the party is now looking to make decisions under Aryal’s leadership, especially with Lamichhane being unable to take an active role. Political circles are keen to see what direction the party will take during this leadership transition.

Although the meeting dates have been set, RSP has not yet made the agenda public. According to Santosh Pariyar, the chief whip of the parliamentary party, discussions are ongoing to finalize the agenda. Party officials are currently deliberating on important issues to be discussed in the meeting.

Acting General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti mentioned that there would be no separate discussion about Lamichhane’s ongoing legal proceedings during the central committee meeting. Burlakoti also clarified that an informal discussion had taken place about the legal status of the party's president.

By-election review and organizational challenges

Since Lamichhane's arrest on October 18, RSP has been functioning as a party led by him from custody. Even while in detention, Lamichhane continued to lead the party, issuing directions for street protests and other activities. However, the by-elections held on December 1 were overshadowed, and the party faced significant setbacks.

Although RSP won the ward chairperson position in Kathmandu-16, it struggled to secure enough votes in many other districts, even failing to save deposits in several areas. In Kathmandu’s Kirtipur Municipality, the party failed to find a candidate.

Burlakoti mentioned that one of the key agenda items in the upcoming central committee meeting would be a review of the by-election results. Along with that, the party plans to discuss its organizational strategy.

The party had earlier decided to hold its first national convention in April, but several organizational challenges remain. RSP has yet to complete its district and local level conventions, and many areas are still without established party structures.

According to Burlakoti, RSP has completed conventions in 60 districts, but many more remain, and further discussions will be held regarding this.

As per the party’s constitution, RSP has not yet established its structure in accordance with the rules, and until this is done, it will not be possible to hold the convention at lower levels. Burlakoti mentioned that discussions on the organization’s strategy would take place in the upcoming meeting.

Uncertainty over meeting venue

A decision has yet to be made about where the central committee meeting will be held. While proposals have been made to hold the meeting outside Kathmandu, the party has not yet reached a final decision.

Proposals include venues in Chitwan, Pokhara, or Kavre. The final decision regarding the venue will be made by Tuesday.

Burlakoti also confirmed that no discussions would take place on the issue of the parliamentary party leader during the meeting. He added that party members have suggested not to discuss this issue at present.