KATHMANDU: A signature campaign titled Janatako Hastakshar (People’s Signature), launched in support of jailed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chair Rabi Lamichhane, has gathered 2,457,618 signatures so far.
Deepak Bohora, the campaign coordinator, presented the latest updates at a press conference in Kathmandu on Thursday, including progress, funding, and expenses related to the campaign.
According to Bohora, the campaign began on Asar 7 (June 21) and will continue for at least 100 days. It has already run for 25 days across Nepal and abroad, with provincial, district, and local committees coordinating its outreach. Starting Shrawan 5 (July 21), ward-level teams will launch a door-to-door campaign to further expand the initiative.
Solidarity booths are also planned at major entry points along the Nepal–India border, airports, bus parks, and other public gathering areas. In view of the upcoming by-election in Rupandehi-3, signature booths will be set up in all 36 wards of the constituency.
Signature breakdown by region/platform:
- Koshi Province: 166,861
- Madhesh Province: 20,505
- Bagmati Province: 639,068
- Gandaki Province: 432,723
- Lumbini Province: 236,595
- Karnali Province: 43,775
- Sudurpaschim Province: 94,535
- Central Office: 33,370
- Rat Management Booth, Kathmandu: 59,885
- WhatsApp submissions: 650,172
- Email submissions: 80,176
Campaign Expenses & Contributions:
Bohora said a separate fund has been created for the campaign. So far:
- Appeals printed: 500,000
- Signature forms distributed: 200,000
Total expenditure: Rs 5,967,000
- Printing: 1,720,000
- Publicity/Flex/Booth setup: 380,000
- Management: 745,000
- Miscellaneous: 87,000
- Pending payments (mainly printing): 3,035,000
Total contributions received: Rs 4,612,637
Current deficit: Rs 1,354,486
Bohora acknowledged that the campaign hasn’t progressed as fast as hoped in rural areas due to monsoon and farming season but expressed confidence that it will intensify in the coming days. He added that RSP supporters and well-wishers in Nepal and abroad have been actively contributing and that additional funding will be required to continue the effort.
RSP has said this campaign is not just a protest against the political handling of Lamichhane’s case but a broader call for justice and civil liberty.
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