KATHMANDU: Following the suspension of Rabi Lamichhane from his post as MP on charges of cooperative fraud, a debate has begun over who will replace him as the parliamentary party leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Lamichhane, who held both the position of party Chair and parliamentary party leader, was suspended on Monday.
In the wake of his suspension, several RSP leaders have stepped forward to claim the position of parliamentary party leader.
These include RSP parliamentary party deputy leader Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, acting Chair DP Aryal, vice chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Joint General Secretary Sumana Shrestha, and MP Chanda Karki.
A faction within the RSP has expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that the suspended MP, Rabi, had effectively “vaccinated” Aryal for the post of acting chair while in custody.
On Tuesday, Sumana Shrestha openly announced her willingness to assume the role of parliamentary party leader within the party.
“I will not become a leader by merely receiving a tika, but based on issues and agenda,” Shrestha wrote in a central members’ group on Messenger.
“I will apply for the parliamentary party leader position with my vision.”
Shrestha’s message was pointed, indirectly referencing an office bearer, and signifying that she would not back down from her claim.
Another party official pointed out that Rabi’s leadership style did not involve distributing posts through favoritism but rather with a strategic approach: installing one vice chair, Aryal, in the party organization, and the other, Wagle, in the parliament.
It is understood that deputy leader Biraj Bhakta Shrestha has already conveyed to party leaders that he sees himself as the natural successor for the parliamentary party leader role.
To prevent Sumana Shrestha from assuming the position, some RSP MPs have argued that appointing a proportional representation MP as the parliamentary party leader would send the wrong message.
Sources inside the party claimed that only the directly elected MP should become the party leader.
There is also speculation that Aryal himself could be nominated as the parliamentary party leader if the dispute intensifies and a solution proves difficult.
In an effort to counter Sumana, some MPs have suggested the name of Chanda Karki as an alternative candidate.
However, the RSP has indicated that Wagle is the most likely choice to lead the parliamentary party.
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