KATHMANDU, March 20: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) organized an orientation program for 182 lawmakers at a luxury hotel, but party leader Balen Shah, expected to lead the government, was absent. Chairman Rabi Lamichhane attended on the second day and urged newly elected lawmakers not to go against the public mandate that gave the party a strong victory.
The party includes individuals with experience in administration, security agencies, and social activism. Addressing them, Lamichhane said the public had given a clear mandate to overcome obstacles and deliver results. However, Shah’s absence disappointed many lawmakers. While no official reason was given, sources said he was busy forming a new government team. Shah, a former mayor of Kathmandu, was elected from Jhapa-5 with an upset victory over former PM KP Sharma Oli.
Lamichhane told lawmakers that the people had given RSP a near two-thirds mandate with high expectations. “What can stop us now? Only our own intentions,” he said.
He warned against factionalism, citing divisions seen in traditional parties like Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Discussions of internal groupings within RSP have surfaced, but Lamichhane urged unity. “There is no need for factions. Everyone can fit under one umbrella,” he said.
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Elected from Chitwan-2, Lamichhane cautioned that power can cloud judgment and said lawmakers must remain accountable. “People will not wait years for us like they did for older parties,” he added.
He also asked lawmakers to move beyond personal ambition and focus on national interest. “If we cannot rise above self-centered politics, our condition will be worse than that of old leaders,” he said.
Lamichhane emphasized that politics should center on the country rather than individuals. “The burden of personal ambition is not for society to carry. It is our duty to carry the aspirations of the people,” he said.
He urged lawmakers to treat the next five years as a period of transformation, not routine politics. “Nothing will run the old way. We must bring change,” he said.
Highlighting their legislative role, he said laws made by Parliament directly impact services like water, electricity, and infrastructure. “You must understand what legal barriers are stopping development,” he added.
Lamichhane also called for a change in conduct, urging lawmakers to act responsibly and stay connected to public services. He encouraged them to use government hospitals and experience public services firsthand.
Reaffirming commitment to democracy and the constitution, he asked party members not to mock opponents. “Being a winner means being responsible, not arrogant,” he said.
Addressing criticism that RSP supporters are aggressive on social media, he urged them to improve their conduct. “We must move beyond that image,” he said.
