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KATHMANDU: Had the Tulsipur High Court not ordered the detention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane on April 4, the party’s political path could have been different. RSP had launched a campaign named ‘Jana Yatra’ to engage with supporters. The party had approved a framework for the campaign prepared by its deputy leader in parliament, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The campaign aimed to hold public rallies across the country, challenge traditional parties and address people’s frustration. Plans for the party’s general convention were also progressing rapidly.
However, the high court’s decision to detain Lamichhane caught RSP off guard. With the campaign framework ready, party leaders plan to continue with the campaign to engage with the people soon. However, the task is not as straightforward as they claim.
General Convention Uncertain
Last October, a gathering of the party decided to hold the general convention in April 2025. President Lamichhane proposed to hold the party’s first convention on April 8-10 through his political report presented at the gathering. The gathering approved the proposal, and the party began preparations accordingly.
However, after Lamichhane’s arrest on October 18, 2024, based on a parliamentary special investigation committee’s report, RSP shifted its focus to securing his release, which disrupted the party’s organizational activities.
An RSP leader told Himal Press that the party’s fixation on Lamichhane’s release affected its participation in the local body by-elections. Party leaders and supporters would reach wherever the police took Lamichhane to record a statement. But such activities did not yield positive results for the party. On the contrary, internal disagreements about such demonstrations surfaced, with some leaders suggesting that protesting against the judiciary would not be appropriate. So much so, Acting President DP Aryal repeatedly visited Lamichhane in Kaski police custody to discuss party decisions.
“President Lamichhane was unhappy with the party’s activities during this period. He felt the party failed to take a firm stand,” the leader said.
This prompted Lamichhane to push for an immediate general convention to establish new policies and reduce reliance on acting leadership.
Due to various controversies, the party’s president and general secretary roles were held by acting leaders. In Lamichhane’s absence, DP Aryal led the party as the acting president, while Kabindra Burlakoti and Manish Jha took on acting general secretary and spokesperson roles, respectively, following Mukul Dhakal’s exit from the party.
According to RSP leaders, Lamichhane was eager to hold the general convention, and supporters wanted the convention to be held in his presence.
“Lamichhane is our campaigner. Everyone wanted the convention with him present,” said Spokesperson Jha. “But this time, we couldn’t succeed.”
Had Lamichhane not been detained, it would have been feasible to hold the convention in April as conventions in 66 districts had already been held and provincial conventions were ongoing. Now, uncertainty looms over the convention. Party leaders are also confused over whom to project as the leader in Lamichhane’s absence. RSP leaders say no alternative to Lamichhane has emerged in the party.
Spokesperson Jha claims the convention will be held within two months. “The gathering set the convention date. The next central committee will decide a new date,” he said.
However, RSP leaders admit that holding a convention within two months is unlikely.
RSP’s Next Steps
RSP will now focus on securing Lamichhane’s release.
According to party sources, it plans to question the state’s actions while pursuing legal avenues. Following this strategy, RSP has challenged the Tulsipur High Court’s order in the Supreme Court.
The party’s immediate priority is securing Lamichhane’s release. It plans to garner support from human rights bodies and other organizations. Once he is freed, RSP intends to resume preparations for the convention.
