Committed to Building Nepal’s Golden Future — RSP Leadership: Will a Majority Come?

by Pradeep Pariyar Thapa, Editor, Nepalism

Exclusive: Opinion — Following the unity forged within a span of two days among Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has emerged as an alternative political force; Balen alias Balendra Shah, the widely popular independent mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City; and Kulman Ghising, patron of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, there is growing speculation that RSP may secure a clear majority in the upcoming general elections. The aspiration of the majority of Nepalis at home and abroad is that RSP will now eradicate corruption at its roots, take uncompromising action against the corrupt, and move the country forward on the path of good governance and development.

Will the people give RSP a majority?

It is natural that public interest and attachment are gravitating toward RSP, which is becoming the center of an alternative political force. On one hand, Prime Minister and CPN-UML chair KP Oli’s remarks—labeling the Gen Z movement as “terrorism” and criminalizing youths’ peaceful protests—have raised doubts among Gen Z youth about what might happen to them if the old parties return to power. On the other hand, there is pressure and responsibility for alternative political forces to stand united on a single front and wage a final, decisive battle against the old parties. At such a historic political turning point for the nation—where it is a do-or-die moment—the alliance among Rabi, Balen, and Kulman has become almost inevitable. Their joint journey is a result of this very reality. It is expected that the public will endorse this alliance and that RSP will win a majority in the upcoming general elections to form a new government.

Factors That Can Win the People’s Hearts and Votes

Rabi Lamichhane is a popular leader with such charisma that he can easily draw people toward his vision of a prosperous Nepal. Likewise, Mayor Balen can mobilize urban residents and youth around his dream of a golden Nepal. Meanwhile, Kulman Ghising is a beacon of light—a hero who relieved the public, long tormented by load-shedding due to the corrupt policies of incompetent governments and administrators, by restoring uninterrupted electricity, thereby freeing Nepal—held hostage by old parties and leaders—from darkness. For these reasons, this trinity of alternative leaders has ignited hope and confidence that something meaningful will now happen in Nepal.

Now remains to be seen how these alternative leaders will address the people’s aspirations for good governance.