Internal strife deepens in RPP as leaders clash over general convention deadline
Kathmandu. A wave of unrest has emerged within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) after General Secretary Dhaval Shumsher Rana warned that the party would face extinction if the general convention is not held by Jestha. This ultimatum has intensified existing internal divisions.
An unsatisfied faction, advocating for party rules and procedures, has been pressuring Chairman Rajendra Lingden to hold the convention within Jestha.
On Chaitra 28, the dissatisfied group submitted a three-point demand to the leadership, calling for the formation of a convention organizing committee led by an impartial coordinator, the announcement of a convention date within a week, and the establishment of an investigation committee to review actions contrary to the party's ideology and discipline.
General Secretary Rana issued his stern warning before the one-week ultimatum, which expired on Sunday, had even concluded.
In an interview on Saturday for Ratopati's Warpar program, Rana stated, "I urge the cadres to apply pressure. The party must not be allowed to split. The convention must be held on time, in Jestha. If the convention is delayed indefinitely, the party will struggle to find candidates for local elections. I have received reports that cadres from my own district are joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Winning ward chairs have already left, and others are following. If we do not provide a way forward and listen to the cadres, this party will be finished."
Additionally, Central Member Ranjan Karki suggested that Chairman Lingden should demonstrate moral accountability regarding election results.
In response to public criticism regarding the convention and leadership ethics, Chairman Lingden addressed the concerns on Sunday via Facebook, asserting that no one should dream of the RPP's demise. He stated that the party would reorganize by correcting its mistakes and shortcomings.
"No one should dream that the RPP will be finished or destroyed," Lingden wrote. "This party, built with the blood, sweat, and youth of countless people like me, has only lost an election; losing an election does not mean the end of a political party's future."
Lingden further emphasized that the party would not retreat from its core concepts of the monarchy and a Hindu nation.
Party spokesperson Mohan Shrestha also countered Rana's remarks, criticizing responsible leaders for spreading confusion about the party's internal affairs and Lingden's leadership style.
"It is unfortunate that responsible individuals are making statements suggesting the RPP will end if the convention is not held in Jestha," Shrestha wrote. "The RPP, which has not been finished despite widespread non-cooperation, will never be finished or destroyed."
Shrestha dismissed the accusation that Lingden is delaying the convention as a false narrative, claiming the Chairman has already initiated the necessary processes.
He also criticized those who remain within the party while failing to support its candidates or participate in voting, questioning their moral standing.
Another RPP leader, Dilnath Giri, stated that the only solution to the current problem is to hold an immediate convention, calling for a meeting to be convened to announce the date and for the leadership to address the letter submitted on Chaitra 28.
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This specific news has been automatically translated by AI. As a result, there may be some inaccuracies or language errors.
