KATHMANDU: New political parties like the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Janamat Party, and Nagarik Party have emerged in Nepal’s parliamentary landscape, introducing fresh leadership as alternative forces.
Key figures include Rabi Lamichhane, founder Chair of RSP; Dr. CK Raut; and Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary, founder Chair of Nagarik Unmukti Party.
Lamichhane, elected from Chitwan-2, CK from Saptari-2, and Ranjita from Kailali-1, have all secured seats in the House of Representatives.
In the last elections, these new parties achieved surprising success, with RSP winning 20 seats, Janamat 6, and Nagarik Unmukti Party 3, marking a significant shift away from traditional party candidates.
The emergence of these leaders was initially celebrated, as leaders are expected to embody exemplary character and serve as societal guides.
However, the image of these new leaders has recently been tarnished by scandals, particularly as accusations and personal disputes spill into the public sphere.
One notable case is that of Dr. CK Raut, whose family quarrels have gained media attention.
CK Raut’s domestic dispute unfolds publicly
CK Raut of the Janmat Party and member of the House of Representatives from Saptari-1, is currently embroiled in a highly publicized divorce case with his wife, Soni Sindhu Rani.
The divorce proceedings, initiated at the Lalitpur District Court, have drawn attention for their unusual circumstances.
CK alleges that Soni frequently stays away from home, preferring her mother-in-law’s company in India, which he cites as a reason for seeking a ‘partial divorce’—essentially an attempt to dissolve their marital relationship while providing some support to her.
Court documents reveal CK’s claims that Soni has abandoned their home and is unwilling to cohabit, leading him to seek a divorce while offering her a share of their assets.
In contrast, Soni insists that she does not want a divorce and has instead filed for peace and security, alleging that CK has pressured her with threats to force her into the divorce.
During a press interaction at the Satdobato Police Station, Soni stated, “I want fair rights, not a divorce. We need to protect our children, who deserve both their parents until they reach adulthood.”
Soni further revealed that the couple has been living on separate floors of their house, emphasizing, “There is no need for divorce. I want to support my children. They need both parents.”
She also claimed that CK’s brother has played a significant role in pushing for the divorce, implying that CK’s political ambitions are intertwined with personal disputes.
“Since his brother entered politics, the aim has been to manipulate me out of my rights,” she alleged.
Ultimately, Soni expressed her willingness to live independently if CK chooses that path but firmly rejected the idea of divorce.
“My greatest assets are my husband and my children,” she announced.
“If my husband doesn’t want to live with me, I will stay with my children wherever necessary. He can have his own space.”
Ranjita’s dispute
Ranjita Shrestha of the Nagarik Unmukti Party was serving as a minister in the federal government when Resham Chaudhary was implicated as the main accused in the Tikapur murder case.
Following Resham’s release from prison, he convened a party convention.
To Ranjita’s dismay, delegates elected Resham as the party leader instead of her.
Disappointed by this outcome, she left the convention and returned to Kathmandu, despite Resham’s attempts to persuade her to become co-chair of the party.
As tensions mounted, the distance between Ranjita and Resham grew.
After Maoist Center Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachand” formed a government with the CPN-UML, the Election Commission nullified the results of the Nagarik Unmukti Party convention, reinstating Ranjita’s leadership.
Resham, feeling sidelined, began publicly questioning Ranjita and accusing both her and Prime Minister Prachanda, as well as UML Chairman KP Oli, of conspiring against him.
Their domestic discord spilled over into the political arena, destabilizing the government led by Kamal Bahadur Shah in Sudurpaschim Province.
With the Election Commission’s decision not recognizing Resham as Chairperson, disagreements arose over political allegiances, and their conflicts became increasingly visible on social media.
Rabi Lamichhane: From domestic issues to political controversy
Rabi Lamichhane of RSP has recently faced allegations of embezzling funds from cooperatives.
A parliamentary committee led by UML MP Surya Bahadur Thapa Chhetri found him guilty and recommended action against him.
Lamichhane’s personal life has also come under scrutiny, particularly his marriage, which has become a topic of public discourse.
During his tenure as Home Minister, he held a press conference to vent his frustration at the media, claiming that sensational coverage led to his downfall.
He accused media owners and editors of pursuing him unjustly and criticized the scrutiny stemming from his four marriages.
In his defense, he remarked, “The media continues to persecute me for mistakes I did not commit. Even a doctor advised that a person with four wives will always be haunted by past mistakes.”
He added, “My first marriage failed, but I fell in love again, and a child was born. Yet rumors persist, unfairly labeling me.”
Family strife shadows Dhanraj’s political aspirations
Dhanraj Gurung, a prominent figure in the Nepali Congress and former Law Minister, is also facing turmoil due to family issues.
His ex-wife, Jyoti Gurung, is currently at large in connection with a cooperative fraud case, having allegedly embezzled 12 million rupees from Miteri Cooperative in Lalitpur.
Dhanraj claims he has divorced her and paid Rs 91 lakh, but questions have arisen regarding the legitimacy of their divorce.
This familial discord threatens to tarnish Dhanraj’s political image.
It highlights the challenges leaders face in balancing personal and political lives, as family disputes can significantly impact public perception and political stability.
As these leaders navigate their respective crises, the interplay between personal relationships and political ambitions remains increasingly evident.
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