Rastriya Swatantra Party Leader Resigns, Alleges Party Turned Ticket Distribution into Cash Extraction Scheme

Mahendra Pandey, a leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has announced his resignation from the party, leveling serious allegations that the party has turned the distribution of election tickets into a means of extracting money. Addressing a press conference at Sandwaba Dablya on Friday, he commented that the RSP has now transformed from a party for the 'have-nots' into one exclusively for the 'haves'.

Pandey, who hails from Humla and has been active in the RSP in Karnali since its inception, claimed that there is no future for honest and dedicated workers within the party. He specifically accused individuals like leaders Kabindra Burlakoti and Shankar Shrestha of turning the party's 'blue revolution' into a lucrative business.

Targeting Burlakoti, who is contesting from Gorkha Constituency No. 2, Pandey made strong remarks, stating that he should not be voted for but rather 'chased out of every village'.

Recalling how he stood alone on the streets to demand the release of party chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Pandey expressed anger that only wealthy individuals were prioritized during the elections. "The party chairman has been surrounded by selfish and ill-intentioned individuals. Until such people are disciplined, there is no way I will return to the RSP," he stated.

Pandey announced that they would now move forward by forming an 'Independent Group' and would convene a gathering in a few days to finalize their election strategy. He also shared that they would soon decide whether to support Harka Sampang, Kulman Ghising, or any other reformist force. He claimed that honest workers, not only from Karnali but across the country, are currently preparing to leave the RSP.