KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is gearing up to hold its first convention on schedule, with central committee members expressing enthusiasm for the event.
According to spokesperson Manish Jha, the party’s meeting on January 4-5 concluded with a consensus to proceed with the convention in the first week of May.
The party’s two-day meeting was attended by 55 central committee members, all of whom supported holding the convention as planned to expand the party’s scope and assign greater responsibilities to its leaders.
Spokesperson Jha stated, “All members are eager to proceed with the convention without delay. They are united in organizing ward, municipal, and district-level gatherings in preparation.”
Despite the detention of RSP Chair Ravi Lamichhane since October 18 over allegations of financial misconduct, the party has successfully conducted gatherings in 62 districts and plans to cover Himalayan districts after winter.
Urban areas, including those in the Kathmandu Valley, are currently hosting ward and municipal-level meetings.
The RSP has enrolled over 100,000 members, with an additional 100,000 applications pending verification, according to Jha. The party, which secured 1.13 million votes and won eight direct and 13 proportional seats in the 2022 elections, has been working to maintain its public support amid challenges.
A secretary-level member revealed that even if Chair Lamichhane faces jail time, the convention will go ahead as scheduled.
60-days campaign
To ensure timely preparations, the RSP will launch a 60-days organizational expansion campaign starting January 15. Leaders from central, provincial, and district levels will visit wards and municipalities to interact with people and distribute party memberships.
Jha noted, “The campaign will allow leaders to visit every household where possible, listen to the people, and expand the party’s reach. This groundwork will be instrumental for the convention.”
The party aims to build small organizational units at the ward level but will exclude government employees and teachers from these structures.
Silence on Mukul Dhakal’s return
Despite some leaders suggesting that former general secretary Mukul Dhakal be reinstated to his previous position, the party has remained silent on the matter. Acting Chair DP Aryal confirmed receiving a letter from Koshi Province Chair Rajesh Timilsina, but no discussion occurred during the central committee meeting.
Many leaders are dissatisfied with Dhakal, citing his statements against Chair Lamichhane and the party.
Lamichhane’s message: Stay united
During the meeting, leaders shared a message from Chair Lamichhane, emphasizing the need for unity. Acting Chair Aryal, Vice Chair Swarnim Wagle, and other leaders conveyed his call for collective effort to expand the party and address the challenges posed by the government.
Aryal dismissed rumors of factions within the party, urging members to focus on countering government actions against the RSP. Wagle echoed the sentiment, adding that differing opinions should not be misinterpreted as factionalism.
Lamichhane, detained since October 18, faces charges related to cooperative fraud, organized crime, and money laundering. Judge Nitij Rai’s bench is expected to deliver the final verdict soon.
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