KATHMANDU: When the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) entered the 2022 general elections, it campaigned under the slogan “Choose the Competent.” The message was aimed at promoting candidates with strong educational backgrounds, proven professional records, and ethical integrity.
Two years later, in October 2024, the party unveiled a new slogan: “Now Let’s Become Knowledgeable.” Party President Rabi Lamichhane said the slogan reflected the vision of the party’s Leadership Academy, which was designed to cultivate capable future leaders through learning, unlearning, and practical training.
According to the party, the academy would produce qualified leaders who could engage voters with competence and responsibility. However, a series of controversial statements and actions by several RSP leaders have raised questions about whether the slogan has translated into practice.
From remarks criticized as anti-national to threats against contractors and police officials, as well as exaggerated praise of party figures, several incidents have drawn public scrutiny.
Prime Minister Balen Shah criticized over India land remark
Prime Minister Balen Shah recently came under fire after stating in Parliament that Nepal, too, has encroached on Indian territory.
The comment came while responding to questions about border issues involving Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh. Shah explained that Nepal had already sent diplomatic notes to India and that both countries had agreed to address the dispute through discussions involving historians, surveyors, and land experts.
He also said Nepal had engaged with the British government, arguing that unresolved border issues stemmed from historical arrangements during British India.
However, controversy erupted when Shah added that not only India but Nepal had also encroached on Indian land. Opposition lawmakers have since demanded that the statement be removed from the parliamentary record, accusing the Prime Minister of weakening Nepal’s position on border disputes.
Infrastructure Minister threatens contractor
On June 15, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal visited the Naubise-Malekhu section of the Prithvi Highway to inspect ongoing road works.
During the visit, project officials complained that delays in relocating electricity poles had obstructed construction work. In response, Lamsal made an aggressive remark, instructing officials to locate the contractor responsible and warning that if the work was not completed, “his legs should be broken.”
The electricity pole relocation project is being carried out by Sohan Construction under a contract with the Nepal Electricity Authority.
On the same day, Prime Minister Shah shared a social media post featuring Lamsal and Home Minister Sudhan Gurung, describing them as members of a team committed to building the nation.
MP compares Finance Minister to BP Koirala and Madan Bhandari
RSP lawmaker Rahbar Ansari, who joined the party from the CPN (Maoist Centre), sparked debate after comparing Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle to some of Nepal’s most influential political leaders.
Speaking in Parliament, Ansari said Wagle was pursuing a “paradigm shift” approach to solving national problems. He referenced late leaders BP Koirala and Madan Bhandari, as well as Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, before placing Wagle in the same discussion.
Ansari argued that Wagle was introducing an original vision for governance and economic reform inspired by transformative thinking.
MPs liken party leaders to figures from Mahabharata
RSP lawmaker Sulabh Kharel went a step further by comparing senior party leaders to prominent characters from the Hindu epic Mahabharata.
Addressing Parliament, Kharel described Prime Minister Balen Shah as Arjuna, focused on achieving his goals. He compared party President Ravi Lamichhane to Lord Krishna and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle to Vidura, portraying them as key figures guiding the nation.
The remarks were widely discussed on social media, with critics accusing the lawmaker of excessive glorification of party leaders.
Lawmaker scolds school principal over ‘lack of respect’
A video involving RSP MP Bishwaraj Pokharel from Okhaldhunga recently went viral after he reprimanded a school principal for allegedly failing to accord him proper respect during a visit.
In the video, Pokharel highlighted his past service as a senior police officer and retired civil servant, questioning why the principal remained seated during his arrival.
He argued that, regardless of voting preferences, he represented the district as an elected lawmaker and deserved appropriate recognition.
The incident generated criticism, with many questioning the expectations of public officials regarding status and protocol.
MP threatens to drag police officer to Kathmandu
RSP lawmaker Khagendra Sunar also faced criticism after publicly threatening to drag a district police chief to Kathmandu.
The remarks were made during a visit to Sindhuli following the death of Shreekrishna BK, who had been in police custody on rape charges.
Witnesses reported that Sunar entered the Khurkot Police Office alongside other RSP lawmakers and used abusive language toward officers, threatening disciplinary action and dismissal.
His comments drew concern over the conduct of elected representatives when dealing with law enforcement agencies.
Parliament objection sparks ridicule
Another controversy involved RSP lawmaker Ashika Tamang during a House of Representatives meeting.
While UML lawmaker Yashoda Kumari Baral was criticizing successive governments for “selling slogans” to provinces such as Madhesh, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim, Tamang interrupted the proceedings and demanded evidence regarding what had been “sold.”
Observers pointed out that Baral’s remarks were metaphorical, referring to political promises rather than literal transactions. Tamang’s intervention was widely criticized on social media as a misunderstanding of the context of the speech.
Analysts question party’s political maturity
Political analyst and social activist Mahadip Pokharel argues that such incidents reveal a gap between the RSP’s stated vision and the behavior of some of its leaders.
He said Prime Minister Shah’s remarks regarding border disputes could weaken Nepal’s claims in negotiations with India, while threats directed at contractors and police officials undermine the dignity of public office.
Pokharel further criticized what he described as a growing tendency among leaders to bypass legal and institutional processes in favor of public threats and populist rhetoric.
As the RSP seeks to position itself as a force for political reform and competent leadership, critics argue that the conduct and statements of several party leaders have increasingly overshadowed the party’s message of becoming more knowledgeable and responsible in governance.
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