Govt has placed a sword over my head, but I won’t submit: Rabi Lamichhane

Kathmandu / March 31: Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has accused the government of exerting continuous pressure on him. Speaking to the press after a central committee meeting at the party office in Banasthali, Chairman Lamichhane claimed that the government has placed a sword over his head but asserted that he will not bow down.

Lamichhane announced plans to address the public in Chitwan this Saturday, where he intends to disclose details about the formation and collapse of the government, as well as his 84-day incarceration. “I will reveal everything that happened while I was in custody,” he stated.

He further remarked, “The government may try to silence me, but I will not submit.” Reflecting on the support from Chitwan, he recalled how its people endured hardships, including police brutality, for his cause. “Had I given in, the government wouldn’t have collapsed, and I might have been a minister or even the prime minister. But I will never surrender to them,” he asserted.

Additionally, Lamichhane reaffirmed his commitment to fielding capable RSP candidates in the upcoming elections.

He urged political parties not to use democracy as a shield to cover up their past shortcomings.

Furthermore, Lamichhane demanded a thorough investigation into the recent incidents of arson, vandalism, and looting carried out by monarchist groups in Tinkune, Koteshwar and surrounding areas on Friday.

He called for accountability, stating, “The government must not cover up the truth behind the Tinkune incident. Nepali citizens and young people have died, and the government should not try to cover up its mistakes.”

Also a former home minister, Lamichhane raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Ministry of Home Affairs, questioning its ability to provide security.

“How can the Ministry of Home Affairs, which failed to protect the public when 4,000 people gathered in Kathmandu, remain in power?” he asked.

He compared the government’s inability to maintain order in the capital city to its swift actions in sending police forces abroad to manage issues like inter-caste marriages.

Lamichhane, who has been facing multiple cases on cooperative frauds and money laundering, also hinted that he was being targeted by the government through conspiracies.

“I thought it would be best to stay calm and support the process, but the government is using this opportunity to attack me. They may think I will remain silent if they threaten me, but I am prepared to face whatever comes my way,” he claimed.

Lamichhane’s remarks come as he resumed his role as the party president after temporarily stepping down in December 2024 after being implicated on allegations of money laundering and cooperative fraud.

In his absence, vice-president DP Aryal had taken over the role of acting party chief.