Rastriya Swatantra Party Fields Former Critic Krishna Kumar Karki for Morang-2 Seat

Biratnagar. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has nominated Krishna Kumar Karki as its candidate for Morang Constituency No. 2 in the House of Representatives election. Karki was previously known as a staunch critic of RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane.

Karki, who returned after living in Japan for 12 years, wrote on social media on April 1 (Bikram Sambat date: Baisakh 18) targeting RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, stating, "I watch as he deceives simple people with cooperative fraud, saying, 'Where will I sit and watch?' Yet, people believe him and follow him."

Not only that, on September 16 (Bhadra 31), he attacked Lamichhane even more harshly, writing, "Rabi says he hasn't spent money, but every human, except an animal, knows that one becomes guilty when money comes into a company they own."

He had stated that if a person like him ever came to power, cooperative fraudsters would have to go to jail.

Furthermore, when the then Deputy Speaker Indira Rana was accused of human trafficking by the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, he wrote a status suggesting it was not surprising to find a human trafficker among those accused of fraud and trafficking.

Karki, once such a harsh critic of Rabi Lamichhane and his team, has now received his nomination papers for the House of Representatives election, signed by Lamichhane himself.

When questioned by Ratopati about this, Karki owned up to his social media statements regarding party chairman Rabi Lamichhane and then-Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, expressing his resolve to "speak in favor of the truth."

Regarding the cooperative case involving party chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Karki stated, "If he (Rabi Lamichhane) has made a mistake, the public should not shower him with praise. Action should be taken against him too. It is not in my nature to deify someone just because they are 'my person.'"

Discussing his personal integrity, Karki claimed to stand for truth above nepotism. He said, "Truth and correctness must prevail. I am not the type of person to let things go even if my father makes a mistake. I have filed a case against my own paternal uncle over a school matter, so there is no question of letting others off the hook."

Clarifying his statement regarding then-Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar, Karki said, "When those who rule are in positions of power, even a small mistake by them carries weight. Those who err must be punished."

Karki, Who Celebrated Burning Parliament Buildings, Moves Closer to Becoming a Lawmaker

The recent protests on Bhadra 23 and 24 brought about a certain change in the country. Many youths sacrificed their lives to bring about that change, and the state incurred significant material losses.

On Bhadra 24, while the New Baneshwor area of Kathmandu was turning into a battlefield, Karki, now the RSP candidate for Morang-2, was inside the Parliament building premises celebrating.

He also publicized his role that day on Facebook. On Bhadra 25, he wrote on Facebook, "We entered the Parliament building, gathered old chairs inside the front of the Parliament building, lit a fire, and celebrated joyfully."

Naturally, there is growing curiosity about how a person who rejoiced in burning the Parliament building will behave in the role of a lawmaker. When asked by Ratopati, Karki clarified, "We did not set fire to any house. We protested by burning chairs on the road, as shown in the pictures that have been made public."

Karki emphasized that those in public office must be accountable, stating, "Decisions and matters concerning public property must be discussed with citizens, society, and all stakeholders before moving forward. In this day and age, nothing works by hiding or deceiving the public."

In the previous election, RSP had nominated Thagendra Neupane for Morang Constituency No. 2. This time, instead of Neupane, RSP has placed its trust in Karki.