KATHMANDU: Dol Prasad Aryal (D.P.), vice-chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has stated that there are two distinct phases in the life of party chairperson Rabi Lamichhane.
Aryal made this comment while visiting Kaski to meet Lamichhane, where he also interacted with journalists.
He emphasized that there is no valid criticism of Lamichhane’s political life since he entered politics, noting, “Like any coin, there are two sides to everything. There is a political side to our chairperson’s life, and there was another side before his political career.”
Aryal further clarified that Lamichhane has not committed any criminal acts, such as the minor offenses he allegedly faced prior to entering politics.
He mentioned that while the past could still be investigated, they are clear about the distinction between Lamichhane’s political phase and his earlier life.
Aryal accused the major political parties of seeking revenge after Lamichhane’s entry into politics. “Since Rabi entered politics, there has been a clear political vendetta against him. There is no doubt that two parties (Nepali Congress and CPN-UML) have initiated this political retaliation,” Aryal stated. “Rabi Lamichhane came into politics to make a change, not to disappear after buying gold or jewelry in New Road.”
Aryal called for continued cooperation with Lamichhane, urging the major parties to consider the long-term political landscape. “They must work with Rabi Lamichhane, who is a representative of youth. He entered politics to bring change for the younger generation, and political retaliation should not block that vision,” Aryal said. “The major parties must understand that those who have fought for change in the country should also look toward the future.”
Aryal, a former labor minister, also claimed that the whole world, not just Nepal, is watching the political vendetta against Lamichhane.
This comes after a CCTV image of Lamichhane sleeping in police custody went viral on social media.
The photo, taken by Dr. Nicolas Bhusal, has sparked outrage among RSP leaders and supporters, who claim that the government is trying to frame Lamichhane.
They have voiced strong opposition on social media, arguing that the government’s actions are politically motivated.
Meanwhile, the government has announced an investigation into the matter, with the Kaski District Police Office warning that those responsible for the unauthorized release of the image will face cybercrime charges.
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