KATHMANDU: Internal tensions have intensified within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) following its recent political setbacks, with a faction of leaders calling for an immediate general convention to elect new leadership.
The discontent comes in the wake of the party’s poor performance in the March 5 elections, where it secured only one seat under the first-past-the-post system. Leaders have also expressed frustration over the party’s failure to secure the Deputy Speaker position, further deepening internal divisions.
A group of leaders, including Dhawal Shamsher Rana, has submitted a written memorandum to party Chair Rajendra Lingden, raising serious concerns over his leadership style, organizational weaknesses, and decision-making processes.
The memorandum states that the party has failed to make expected progress since the unification general convention held in 2021. It also highlights the disappointing outcome of the latest parliamentary elections and criticizes the leadership for not conducting any review, self-criticism, or accountability following the defeat.
Leaders have also questioned the party’s involvement in the Deputy Speaker election, claiming the decision was made without discussion in either the Central Working Committee or the Executive Committee. They argue that such unilateral decisions undermine internal procedures, discipline, and democratic norms.
The internal document further points to growing instability within the party, rising frustration among cadres, and an increasing trend of membership withdrawals. It stresses the need for urgent corrective measures to revive the organization.
RPP Parliamentary Party leader Gyan Bahadur Shahi had earlier indicated that the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) would support the RPP in the Deputy Speaker election. However, the RSP ultimately backed Ruby Kumar Thakur of Shram Sanskriti Party, leaving the RPP politically isolated.
The disgruntled faction has demanded the formation of an independent convention organizing committee led by a neutral figure to ensure a fair general convention. They have also called for the announcement of the convention date within a week and the गठन of a probe committee to investigate controversial decisions taken so far.
The memorandum notes that the current leadership’s four-year tenure has already expired and was extended, urging the party to move forward with the process to hold the general convention by mid-June 2026, as previously decided.
Concluding that a “fresh mandate” is essential to revive the party, the leaders have intensified calls for internal reforms and leadership change.
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