KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has urged party leaders and cadres to work seriously to ensure that voters who supported the party’s bell symbol do not reach a point where they begin questioning the government’s performance.
Addressing the concluding session of the first phase of the ‘Policy, Organisation and Leadership’ programme organised by the RSP for its central members in Kathmandu on Saturday and Sunday, Lamichhane said the government’s first year would largely focus on laying a strong foundation, meaning its achievements may not be immediately visible.
“The government has had to lay the foundation in its first year, so much may not be visible yet. The government has completed 100 days and ministers have become more active,” he said, urging people to remain patient as the government works to strengthen its foundation.
Lamichhane said the party must respond to questions raised by citizens about the government’s performance. He said he himself would travel to Madhes, while other party leaders would visit different parts of the country to listen to people’s concerns.
“Now I am going towards Madhes. I will go on the Madhes tour. Other colleagues will also go to villages. District conventions will now be held rapidly,” he said.
He said RSP central members would also travel to communities to hear public grievances and respond to questions regarding the government’s work.
“Every citizen has questions about the government’s work, and now we have to answer them,” Lamichhane said.
Lamichhane accused opposition parties of attempting to overshadow the government’s achievements, saying the opposition remained politically strong and could engage in activities aimed at downplaying the government’s positive work.
He also warned party leaders and cadres to remain alert to what he described as attempts by leaders of different political parties to pursue their interests from behind the scenes.
Lamichhane stressed that the RSP must continuously remember why ordinary citizens voted for the party.
“Our job is to reflect on what ordinary citizens voted for us for,” he said.
He said arrangements had also been made to invite government ministers to the party office to listen to the concerns of citizens and party members.
Lamichhane maintained that there was no major problem with the government at present and said criticism from opposition parties was natural.
“Right now, there is no major problem with the government. The opposition is speaking, which is their duty,” he said.
However, he warned that the situation could become difficult for the RSP if voters who had supported the party themselves began questioning its performance.
“But if the voters who voted for the bell start speaking, it will be difficult for us. Let’s not create a situation where they have to speak out,” Lamichhane said.
Action against ticket-related financial dealings
Lamichhane also warned that the party would not tolerate any form of financial transaction in connection with ticket distribution ahead of the upcoming local elections.
He said anyone taking or giving money in exchange for assurances of securing a party ticket would face consequences.
“Local elections are now approaching. If anyone has made a transaction promising a ticket, both sides will sink. Let’s not assume that getting a local election ticket is already guaranteed,” he said.
Lamichhane said the RSP would select candidates and distribute tickets only through the party’s established ‘Candidate Club’.
“We will distribute tickets only from the Candidate Club established by the party,” he said.
He warned that both those offering and accepting money in the name of candidacy would face action.
“If anyone has made a transaction in the name of a candidate, both the giver and receiver will face consequences. We will not spare anyone who sells the party’s name or its system to distribute tickets,” Lamichhane said.
He further warned that action would be taken against anyone attempting to tarnish the political opportunity the RSP has received.
“If anyone tries to discredit this opportunity given by history, action will be taken,” he said.
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