KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal Chair Kamal Thapa has accepted Rajendra Lingden’s leadership for the first time since his defeat in the party’s unity general convention in December 2021.
Speaking at a party program organized at Shanti Batika in Ratna Park on Monday, Thapa publicly endorsed Lingden’s leadership, signaling a thaw in relations between the two leaders. Despite leading different factions, Thapa emphasized that they share the same agenda.
In a symbolic gesture, Thapa held Lingden’s hand on stage, expressing his willingness to move forward under Lingden’s leadership.
Keshar Bahadur Bista and Nawaraj Subedi, coordinator of the royalist movement, also joined them in solidarity.
“We are in one place, and we will remain united,” Thapa said during his address. “The RPP is currently the largest and strongest nationalist force in the country. It must move forward inclusively, and I urge Rajendra Lingden to take the initiative to bring together all nationalist and royalist forces.”
Earlier, upon arriving at the event, Lingden warmly greeted Thapa, addressing him as “Daai” (elder brother), and the two engaged in a brief but notable conversation, much to the delight of the gathered royalist supporters.
The endorsement comes at a time when the royalist movement, led by Durga Prasai and Nawaraj Subedi during the March 28 demonstration in Tinkune, has been under pressure, especially following the arrests of key leaders.
Thapa, who had distanced himself from Lingden and refused to accept his leadership for more than two years, has now pledged to work under Lingden to advance the royalist campaign.
With this gesture at Shanti Batika, Thapa has formally paved the way for a united front among royalist and nationalist forces under Lingden’s leadership.
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