KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said the Nepali Congress’ history is both its greatest strength and its major weakness.
Addressing the inaugural session of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu, Lamichhane claimed that the party had deviated from its ideology and principles by failing to preserve its traditional commitment and inclusive character.
“History is the Congress’ greatest strength, but at the same time, your greatest weakness is also history,” he said. “If the party had valued loyalty, prioritised those who were committed rather than those with financial capital, and given tickets to marginalised people instead of opportunists, perhaps I too would have been a Congress member.”
During his address, Lamichhane also referred to the practice of party alliances and voters being required to vote for candidates under different election symbols. He said the practice of asking Congress supporters to abandon the tree symbol and vote for other symbols had contributed to growing disillusionment with the party.
He suggested that the Nepali Congress should not rely solely on the “interest” earned from its history, but return to loyalty, principles and the values of the new generation.
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