KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), a relatively new but influential force in Nepali politics, is at a crossroads as its chairperson, Rabi Lamichhane, faces multiple court cases.
Lamichhane, who is suspended as a member of the House of Representatives due to legal proceedings, leaves RSP without a parliamentary party leader. This situation has sparked significant debate and speculation about the party’s leadership and future direction.
Rabi Lamichhane, a former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, has been embroiled in multiple legal battles. He faces allegations of fraud linked to cooperative scams and money laundering. These charges led to his suspension from parliament on December 23, 2024, leaving the RSP without a parliamentary leader for over a month.
One of the key cases against Lamichhane involves the Suryadarshan Cooperative scam, for which the Kathmandu District Court had earlier allowed his release on bail of Rs 6 million. However, his legal troubles are far from over. Lamichhane is now entangled in another cooperative fraud case, this time related to the Supreme Cooperative in Rupandehi, where he has been named a defendant with financial irregularities exceeding Rs 40 million.
With no resolution in sight and additional legal challenges in other districts, Lamichhane’s immediate return to parliament appears unlikely, casting uncertainty over his role within the party.
Leadership void
Lamichhane’s suspension has necessitated the selection of a new parliamentary party leader. While the RSP has designated Dol Prasad Aryal (D.P. Aryal) as acting chairperson, the position of parliamentary leader remains unfilled.
This delay persists despite the impending winter session of parliament, set to begin on January 31. The party is under pressure to finalize its leadership structure before the session begins.
Among the potential candidates for parliamentary party leader, current deputy parliamentary leader Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is a prominent figure. Shrestha, a seasoned politician with prior experience as a provincial assembly member from the Bibeksheel Sajha Party in 2017, has emerged as the frontrunner.
Lamichhane has reportedly given his approval for Shrestha to take on the role. However, formal discussions and decisions have yet to take place within the party.
In addition to Shrestha, Sumana Shrestha and Sobita Gautam are also being considered. Both are respected parliamentarians known for their strong and factual presentations in the legislature.
While Sumana Shrestha is reportedly lobbying informally for the position, party leaders believe she is more likely to be appointed as deputy leader rather than parliamentary leader, as she currently does not hold the deputy leader position, a procedural prerequisite for party leadership.
Procedural challenges
The RSP’s bylaws allow the deputy leader to serve as acting leader in the absence of a leader. For now, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is fulfilling this role, but the party must formalize its leadership before the winter session begins. The party’s acting chairperson, D.P. Aryal, has stated that they are in discussions and will make a decision soon.
“Currently, the deputy leader is acting as the party leader in parliament. We haven’t officially selected a new leader yet, but we will finalize it before the parliament session begins,” Aryal said.
The delay in selecting a parliamentary leader has raised questions about the party’s preparedness to address pressing legislative issues.
The RSP faces the dual challenge of resolving its internal leadership dynamics while maintaining its stance as an opposition party in parliament.
The upcoming winter session of parliament is expected to focus on several crucial issues, including five recently issued ordinances, human rights concerns, and the government’s handling of cooperative fraud cases. The RSP has been vocal about its dissatisfaction with the government’s response to cooperative scams, particularly the charges against Lamichhane, which it views as politically motivated.
During an informal meeting held at the party’s central office, leaders discussed strategies for the winter session. The RSP plans to address these topics while also advocating for the rights of cooperative scam victims. The party has instructed its chief whip and whip to engage with other opposition parties to develop a unified approach in parliament.
Internal dynamics
The RSP’s internal dynamics reflect its struggle to balance pragmatism with idealism. Lamichhane’s legal troubles have created a leadership vacuum that requires careful navigation to maintain party unity and credibility. The party’s organizational structure has undergone several interim adjustments, with acting roles assigned to key positions.
Alongside D.P. Aryal as acting chairperson, Kabindra Burlakoti serves as acting general secretary, and Pratibha Rawal has recently been appointed acting spokesperson.
These temporary arrangements highlight the party’s efforts to stabilize amidst uncertainty. However, the absence of a permanent parliamentary leader underscores RSP’s challenges in solidifying its leadership and strategy.
The selection of a parliamentary party leader is expected to occur before the winter session convenes. While Biraj Bhakta Shrestha is likely to assume the role, the decision will also shape the party’s future trajectory. If Shrestha is chosen, Sumana Shrestha or Sobita Gautam may step into the deputy leader position, signaling the party’s intent to amplify diverse voices in its leadership.
The RSP’s immediate priority is to navigate the challenges posed by Lamichhane’s legal battles while ensuring effective representation in parliament. The party’s ability to address these issues will be critical in maintaining its relevance and public support.
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