RSP withholds opinion on Former King's political activism

Kathmandu, March 9 — As former King Gyanendra Shah increases his political activity, traditional political parties such as Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and CPN (Maoist Center) are responding strongly.

They have challenged the former king to participate in elections using the rights granted by the constitution.

These parties have cautioned him against repeating any mistakes by forgetting the mandate of the 2006 People's Movement.

Meanwhile, pro-monarchy groups, including the Rashtriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and various religious organizations, have taken to the streets in support of restoring the monarchy.

On the other hand, the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which claims to be an alternative political force, has remained silent about recent developments.

Party president Rabi Lamichhane is currently facing multiple court cases related to cooperative fraud in Kaski, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Rupandehi and Parsa.

Lamichhane, who has posted bail for 27.9 million and has not yet resumed party responsibilities, has not commented on recent political events.

The party has also not made an official statement regarding the rise in pro-monarchy activity.

However, RSP’s acting spokesperson, Manish Jha, commented on the political situation on Sunday.

He criticized Prime Minister KP Oli, who claims to have had the "strongest government" in history, stating that his self-glorification was causing problems.

He accused Oli of only engaging in actions like beating people at stadiums, threatening others, and persecuting opposition figures like Kulman Ghising, Rabi Lamichhane, and Balen Shah, while failing to deliver results.

Jha emphasized that the Constitution of Nepal grants citizens the right to choose their leaders, create their own beliefs, and run campaigns according to their views.

However, he insisted that this should be done within the legal framework.

He also stated that there is nothing unnatural about this movement as long as it stays within the legal limits.

While discussing the current dissatisfaction, Jha pointed out that the current coalition government should pay more attention to the issue.

He specifically mentioned that if the government continues to target individuals who are not to their liking, there might be a surge of discontent.

He cautioned that if the government continues to take actions like persecuting Kulman Ghising or intimidating Balen Shah, it could lead to greater unrest in the future.

Regarding the Rashtriya Swatantra Party's (RSP) claims of being an alternative force, Jha expressed that it is too early to evaluate the party after just 27 months of its formation.

He reminded that elections are held every five years, and people should not expect quick elections.

He also argued that despite the RSP receiving 21 seats in the previous election, the new political force should prove itself by taking action, and it is unfair to judge them as a failure after such a short time.

Jha reflected on Nepal's history, stating that dissatisfaction with the Rana regime led to the establishment of democracy, dissatisfaction with democracy led to multi-party democracy, and dissatisfaction with multi-party democracy led to the establishment of a republic.

He emphasized that the current political weaknesses are due to the lack of institutional practice.

Finally, Jha questioned why some people, like Rabindra Mishra, are advocating for the return of the former king and forgetting his previous failures.

He asked, "Didn’t the former King have the chance before? Why didn’t he deliver anything when he controlled the entire system?"