RSP at 4: How Rabi Lamichhane conceived and nurtured an alternative political movement
Summary
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), founded by Rabi Lamichhane in 2022, quickly rose to prominence, winning a strong electoral mandate and focusing on anti-corruption and good governance, despite facing legal and political challenges.
Key Points
- Rabi Lamichhane founded the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in June 2022, advocating for good governance and anti-corruption.
- The party quickly won 21 seats in the 2022 elections and joined the coalition government but faced setbacks due to Lamichhane's citizenship dispute.
- Despite legal challenges and Lamichhane's arrest over corruption allegations, the RSP grew stronger and secured a near two-thirds majority in the 2024 parliamentary elections.
- The RSP, with over 500,000 members, represents a significant alternative political force in Nepal emphasizing youth participation and transparency.
