KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which quickly rose to prominence after its formation, now finds itself in a state of crisis.
The turmoil began when the Butwal bench of the Tulsipur High Court ordered the detention of party president Rabi Lamichhane—who had previously been released on bail by five district courts—on April 4, 2025.
Just hours after the court order, Lamichhane was arrested from his residence at 7:30 PM on Friday. He was transported to Bhairahawa the following morning and officially sent to Bhairahawa Jail on Monday.
Lamichhane’s imprisonment has raised numerous questions about the future of the RSP.
The party, after all, was largely built on his personal appeal and leadership. Despite being less than a year old, the RSP had succeeded in winning 21 seats in the House of Representatives.
When allegations of cooperative fraud surfaced, some party leaders began advocating for Lamichhane’s removal from all official positions. Former General Secretary Mukul Dhakal has consistently argued that Lamichhane should no longer hold any role within the party.
Within the RSP, there is a growing belief that the situation must be treated seriously—not as a political vendetta but as a matter of financial crime. Since Lamichhane now faces legal consequences, many feel the party must move in a new direction.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was supposed to hold its first general convention in Baisakh. However, due to internal challenges and President Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement in financial crime allegations, the convention will not take place as scheduled.
The argument that a leader implicated in financial crime cannot simply escape accountability is gaining traction, and with that, calls to detach the party from Lamichhane’s presidency are growing louder.
Despite this, concerns about a party split have kept many leaders from openly opposing Lamichhane.
For now, the focus among senior members appears to be on continuing the party’s journey with a new vision—while allowing the legal process to run its course. Lamichhane himself has urged party leaders to develop a new strategy and continue moving forward.
What’s next for RSP?
Acting President DP Aryal emphasizes that the RSP is not just Lamichhane’s party—it belongs to the people. As such, Aryal says the party will move forward in accordance with public sentiment.
“The president (Rabi) himself has said that the political journey of the RSP will not stop, no matter where he is,” Aryal told Khabarhub.
“We know this is not his fault. He will return after resolving his issues. In the meantime, we are expanding the party and preparing for a mass mobilization.”
“We are ready to face whatever hardships the government imposes,” he added. “But we are not afraid.”
Even from jail, Lamichhane remains in touch. He sent a four-point message to party members through Secretariat member Pramod Neupane. In the message, he urged the party to remain united and continue the campaign, known as the “Janayatra” (People’s March).
“Keep the party united and ensure the campaign continues,” he said. “If possible, expand it. But even if you can’t, don’t let it falter. Take the campaign to the people.”
Lamichhane has claimed he is being targeted out of political vendetta. “This is political revenge,” he said. “I am the first student taking this test. Others will have to face it too.”
Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, the deputy leader of the RSP parliamentary party and coordinator of the Janayatra, echoed these sentiments. He said the campaign is not just about supporting Lamichhane but about preserving the hope of a new political force in Nepal.
“In the absence of the president, the people will still support the RSP, despite the government’s efforts to tarnish its image,” he told Khabarhub.
“Lamichhane played a crucial role in founding the party. But during the formation phase, we faced many challenges—some directly instigated by the state machinery. Still, we will overcome these.”
According to Shrestha, the party convened a late-night meeting immediately after Lamichhane’s arrest.
“Wherever he is, the party’s journey continues,” he said. “It’s not just about holding the title of president. Even from afar, Lamichhane has said the journey of the party and of this new political force must not stop.”
Member of Parliament Sobita Gautam also insists that the RSP’s mission will continue, as the public recognizes the government’s actions against Lamichhane as retaliatory.
“Jana Yatra will be held in 25 districts across seven provinces, ending with a public program similar to what we did in Chitwan. This is just the initial blueprint. The Jana Yatra will elevate the party to greater heights. People are listening to us, and we are listening to their concerns.”
“The RSP emerged as a symbol of hope for the people,” she said. “No matter how much pressure the government puts on us and on our president, we will not stop. The big parties are threatened by the RSP’s progress, especially after the results in Constituency 084.”
Gautam acknowledged that Lamichhane may have made mistakes—consciously or not—but emphasized his willingness to face the consequences.
“He has already said he is ready to accept punishment. But instead of addressing systemic issues, the government is scapegoating him and protecting other wrongdoers,” she concluded.
No General Convention in Baisakh
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) was supposed to hold its first general convention in Baisakh. However, due to internal challenges and President Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement in financial crime allegations, the convention will not take place as scheduled.
Party leaders have stated that the general convention will be delayed, especially since ward and municipal-level conventions have not yet been completed.
Leaders have cited the incomplete general conventions across all districts as a major reason for the postponement.
Suggestions have been pouring in from central and secretariat members recommending a delay. According to the party’s statute, the general convention is to be held in two phases over a five-year period.
Now the fourth-largest party in the country with 21 MPs and 1.1 million votes in the 2079 elections — has been unable to hold its first general convention due to internal instability.
“The party should not be dragged down because of Rabi. Rather than covering up the president’s controversies, the party should allow him to resolve his own issues. It is time to spread hope and confidence among the people and stay committed to the political journey.”
The party has yet to conduct conventions in more than 10 municipalities, with most districts still without any activity in this regard.
Focus Shifts to ‘Jana Yatra’
In lieu of the general convention, RSP leaders are now focusing on launching a ‘Jana Yatra’ (People’s March) across 25 districts in all seven provinces.
According to coordinator Shrestha, the first phase of the Jana Yatra began in Chitwan on Saturday and will continue in other provinces.
“We’re prioritizing districts in Madhesh for this campaign. The secretariat meeting will finalize the overall plan,” said Shrestha.
“Jana Yatra will be held in 25 districts across seven provinces, ending with a public program similar to what we did in Chitwan. This is just the initial blueprint. The Jana Yatra will elevate the party to greater heights. People are listening to us, and we are listening to their concerns.”
Analysts’ Take
As the RSP positions itself as a new political force, political analyst Indra Adhikari has advised party leaders to remain united and focused on building a strong future.
Referring to past political figures such as Rabindra Mishra and Ranju Darshana, who also made promises under the banner of “Naya Shakti,” Adhikari warned against repeating the same mistakes.
She emphasized that RSP leaders must take charge of the situation and move forward ideologically, instead of being bogged down by President Lamichhane’s legal troubles.
“The RSP represents the hopes of the new generation. To preserve that, ideological leaders must rise and lead the way,” Adhikari told Khabarhub.
“The party should not be dragged down because of Rabi. Rather than covering up the president’s controversies, the party should allow him to resolve his own issues. It is time to spread hope and confidence among the people and stay committed to the political journey.”
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