RSP chief directs ministers, lawmakers to shed ego, avoid spectacle and focus on work

KATHMANDU, Aug. 20: Chairman of ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Rabi Lamichhane on Wednesday instructed the party’s lawmakers and ministers to maintain parliamentary decorum, strengthen coordination and communication, and avoid conduct that could undermine the party’s image.

Lamichhane held discussions with RSP lawmakers and ministers amid growing complaints about a lack of coordination between the party’s parliamentary representatives and ministers, as well as concerns over the conduct of some lawmakers.

Addressing the meeting skipped by Prime Minister and Parliamentary Party (PP) leader Balendra Shah, Chairman Lamichhane directed the ministers and lawmakers that the party needed to improve its working style and strengthen coordination among lawmakers, ministers, the parliamentary party and the government.

According to a leader who attended the meeting, Lamichhane said lawmakers had themselves begun questioning the performance of ministers from their own party. He assured them that the working style would be improved but ruled out replacing ministers.

Tensions have reportedly been growing within the RSP, with some lawmakers complaining that ministers are not adequately responding to their concerns. In some cases, ministers and lawmakers have publicly questioned one another.

Addressing the issue, Lamichhane instructed lawmakers to send him a copy of questions or concerns sent to ministers so that he could also monitor the issues being raised. “Send me a copy when you question ministers. I will also study them,” Lamichhane said. “People have questions for lawmakers, and lawmakers have questions for ministers. Let us further strengthen coordination among the lawmakers, the parliamentary party and the government.”

Lamichhane also reminded lawmakers that although the government holds considerable power, the opposition parties have joined forces against it, making internal coordination and discipline all the more important. He expressed concern over the conduct of some lawmakers, including their irregular attendance in Parliament and what he described as undignified remarks and activities.

Lamichhane directed them to follow parliamentary rules and maintain decorum.“You have to be regular in Parliament. You cannot make the parliamentary rules yourself, pass them and then refuse to follow them,” he said. “Do not put on a spectacle through undignified activities. Both lawmakers and ministers must maintain parliamentary decorum in their conduct and activities.”

While stating that building a political party takes time and effort, Lamichhane called on RSP lawmakers to strengthen the party’s existing structure rather than treating politics as a short-term opportunity. “If you feel that you found a position on the road without making any investment, there is nothing I can say,” Lamichhane said. “If you intend to do politics for only five years, I will bid you farewell with a garland.”

Lamichhane also stressed transparency in the activities of lawmakers and ministers, directing them to keep the party informed about their parliamentary interventions, travel and meetings. “Activities must be updated on the RSP Pulse app. Lawmakers and ministers must regularly record details of their work and activities on the app,” he said.

He also called for greater communication and coordination within the party, urging lawmakers and ministers to set aside personal egos and work together. “You must set aside your ego and work through mutual coordination and dialogue,” Lamichhane said. “The government can be effective only when there is cooperation and coordination between lawmakers and ministers. Communicate clearly with one another.”

Lamichhane further urged lawmakers to focus on their responsibilities rather than publicity, emphasizing the need for greater study and preparation for their parliamentary roles. He said the next meeting would be held in the presence of PP leader Shah.

The meeting also formed a task force to amend the RSP Federal Parliamentary Party statute. The task force is coordinated by Kabindra Burlakoti and includes Prakash Chandra Pariyar, Krantishikha Dhital and Ganesh Karki. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Lamichhane said the discussion was necessary because the RSP has a large parliamentary presence and statements by individual members can sometimes generate controversy.