Rabi’s Directive at RSP Training: “Our Activities Must Not Weaken Democracy”

Kathmandu / Aug. 23: Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has instructed party leaders not to engage in activities that could weaken democracy.

Addressing a party training programme, Lamichhane urged party leaders and lawmakers to ensure that their conduct and activities do not bring the party into disrepute.

He said the RSP is currently under public scrutiny and that its lawmakers and leaders must respond to such concerns through their behaviour and actions.

“I will not let my actions cause you to hang your heads. If I make mistakes or shortcomings unknowingly, I will correct them. You too must make the same commitment—that your actions will not cause the party to hang its head,” he said.

Lamichhane said the RSP has attracted significant public attention because people from diverse professional and social backgrounds have entered politics through the party.

He clarified that his intention was not to lecture or teach party leaders, but to remind them that the party must not deviate from its objectives and political course.

‘Our activities must not weaken democracy’

Lamichhane stressed that different institutions play an important role in strengthening democracy and warned that the party’s activities should never contribute to weakening the democratic system.

“If different institutions collapse, democracy becomes weaker. We must be conscious that people may say, ‘Democracy has fallen into your hands,’” he said.

He also urged party leaders to stop dwelling on criticism of the past 35 years and instead develop a vision for the next 35 years.

“Don’t keep complaining about the past 35 years. Bring a plan for the next 35 years,” Lamichhane said.

He said party leaders should remember why they chose to enter politics and view the present moment as an important opportunity provided by history.

“We may each have our own reasons for choosing politics. We must move forward remembering this important opportunity given by history. Our activities must not weaken democracy,” he said.

Concern over the party’s growing size

Lamichhane said he was not dissatisfied with the party’s leaders and expressed pride in the capable people within the RSP. However, he acknowledged that the party’s growing size had also increased his concerns and responsibilities.

“I am not dissatisfied with you. There are many exceptionally capable people among you, and I am proud of that. But being a large party does bring some concern,” he said.

With the upcoming local-level elections in mind, Lamichhane instructed the party to expand beyond the central level and establish a stronger presence in villages, neighbourhoods and communities.

He warned that without a strong presence at the local level, the party would find it difficult to meet people’s expectations, which could lead to greater public frustration.

Strong opposition role

Lamichhane also said the RSP must play an effective role as a strong opposition party. Failure to do so, he warned, could lead to severe disappointment among the public.

He acknowledged that some government decisions could be controversial but said the RSP must continue to speak consistently in favour of good governance. The party, he added, should be prepared to answer questions raised by the public about the government’s actions and decisions.

“We must have answers to the questions people raise about the government’s actions,” he said.

Lamichhane described the present period as an important opportunity to lay the foundation for further party building.

According to him, the RSP should now pursue a strategy of expanding its organisation and strengthening its political presence at the local level while increasing direct engagement with citizens.

He also called on people from the party’s diverse backgrounds to work toward a common political objective and move forward in a responsible, disciplined and democratic manner.