Pratibha Rawal appointed acting spokesperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party (kh 17/01/2025)

Rabi Lamichhane to remain suspended from parliament despite bail (kh 10/01/2025) [The court did not find him innocent, but merely released him temporarily on bail! Similar proceedings against him are also ongoing at other courts.], Lamichhane freed on Rs6.5m bail after 84 days in custody : Legal expert says other district courts might still decide to keep the Rastriya Swatantra Party leader in judicial custody in separate cases under their jurisdictions, by Binod Ghimire and Deepak Pariyar (kp 10/01/2025)

Money laundering clause of Cooperatives Ordinance targeted against Lamichhane: RSP leaders. DP Aryal chairs Rastriya Swatantra Party’s first central committee meeting after Rabi Lamichhane’s arrest (kp 05/01/2025)

RSP to form an opinion on constitutional amendment (rep 04/01/2025)

Rastriya Swatantra Party plans to hold its maiden general convention in Chitwan in May : Uncertainty surrounding RSP leader Lamichhane’s legal battles could hinder party’s ability to conduct its convention effectively (kp 02/01/2025)

RSP will overcome all challenges, interview with Manish Jha by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 29/12/2024)

RSP faces leadership crisis post-Lamichhane (kh 25/12/2024)

What next for RSP as Rabi Lamichhane deals with serious charges?, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 24/12/2024), Lamichhane Stares At Uncertain Future, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 24/12/2024)

RSP leaders gather in Pokhara following charge sheet against Rabi Lamichhane (kh 23/12/2024), RSP secretariat meeting to discuss legal issues and leadership decisions (kh 23/12/2024), RSP appoints DP Aryal as acting Chair (kh 23/12/2024), Rabi Lamichhane officially suspended as lawmaker : He picks Dol Prasad Aryal as acting president of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 24/12/2024)

Social service drew me into politics: Rojina Shrestha, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 03/12/2024)

Six reasons why RSP called off its street protests, by Gyanu Ghimire (kh 22/11/2024)

RSP to launch second phase of protests from November 23 (kh 17/11/2024)

Mob tactics of Rastriya Swatantra Party: Genuinely slipping off-track, by Pushpa Raj Joshi (ht 16/11/2024))

Supreme Court allows contempt of court petition against RSP leaders : Petition claiming new party is trying to obstruct justice to be filed today (kp 13/11/224)

Parable of a Blue Jackal, by Narayan Manandhar (rep 05/11/2024)

RSP halts protests until Chhath festival (kh 31/10/2024)

सामाजिक छवि : ठूला दल र रवि [Social Image: Large Party and Ravi], by Indra Adhikari (ka 31/10/2024)

RSP chief’s political career will be set back if he gets convicted : Even with the minimum penalty for cooperatives cash embezzlement, Lamichhane can miss a parliamentary poll, by Binod Ghimire (kp 20/10/2024)

Arrest warrants issued against 14 individuals, including RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane (kh 18/10/2024), Police arrest ex-home minister and RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane : The former deputy prime minister and chief of the fourth largest party is accused of cooperative fraud and organised crime charges (kp 18/10/2024), I have been unjustly targeted by state: Rabi Lamichhane (kh 18/10/2024), CIB hands over Rabi to Kaski Police amid protests (kh 19/10/2014), RSP to protest in Kathmandu and Pokhara today (kh 19/10/2024)

Rabi will definitely go to jail, says Mukul Dhakal (rep 25/09/2024)

RSP worker quits party over Lamichhane’s alleged fraud : Shalikram Duwadi, ward committee secretary of the RSP in Bharatpur who claims he lost Rs1.3 million in a cooperative, says he decided to stand with hundreds of other victims, by Ramesh Kumar Paudel (kp 23/09/2024)

Rabi Lamichhane’s Political Fate At Stake?, by Ritu Raj Subedi (rn 22/09/2024), RSP delegation cuts China visit short amid Lamichhane’s possible arrest (kh 22/09/2024)

Mea Culpa and Cooperative Scams, by Narayan manandhar (rep 19/09/2024)

As RSP begins national conference, probe report on Lamichhane dominates discourse : Provincial committee chiefs present the problems they’ve faced in conducting party activities (kp 18/09/2024), RSP skips discussion on Lamichhane’s political paper amid concerns over criticisms against party’s top leadership (rep 18/09/2024) [Is the RSP facing a similar fate as the Bibesheel Sajha Party years ago, destroyed by the party president?], RSP meet fails to inspire representatives : Party spokesperson says there is a lack of ‘synchronisation’ among top party leaders, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 19/09/2024)

Will change the situation through ballot: Rabi Lamichhane (kh 17/09/2024)

Cooperative fraud case: Rabi Lamichhane found ‘guilty’ : Committee to initiate further investigation into Dhanraj Gurung's case (kh 16/09/2024)

RSP Disciplinary Commission recommends expelling Mukul from ordinary membership (kh 26/08/2024) [In a democratic party, it should not be so easy to exclude dissenting party members from the party, although the Nepalese Political Party Act stipulates this! Freedom of expression must be one of the basic principles of a democratic party!], RSP expels Dr. Mukul Dhakal from party (kh 27/08/2024), After being expelled from RSP, Dr Mukul Dhakal says, “The Rabi Lamichhane Club has no right to expel me” (rep 27/08/2024), Mukul Dhakal appeals against RSP’s decision to remove him from general secretary (rep 01/09/2024)

Revealing Rabi Lamichhane’s misdeeds is not against RSP: Mukul Dhakal (kh 23/08/2024)

Mukul Dhakal’s letter to PM: Abolish provincial structure (rep 12/08/2024) [It is not the federal system that should be abolished, but its abuse by the political parties and the national political level. Only people who want to prevent proper social and regional inclusion and the abolition of Bahunbad can wish for the abolition of federalism and the PR electoral system!], RSP demands 24-hour explanation from Mukul Dhakal (kh 14/08/2024), Mukul Dhakal demands resignation of RSP Chairman Lamichhane (kh 15/08/2024)

As RSP expands, it is following in the footsteps of the old parties it despised : To achieve bigger electoral success, the two-year-old party now advocates stronger organisation. That might create its own problems, analysts warn, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 11/08/2024)

Rastriya Swatantra Party: A Dwindling Hope, by Mahesh Kushwaha (rep 31/07/2024)

Mukul Dhakal challenges RSP’s decision at Election Commission (rep 28/07/2024)

After punishing Mukul Dhakal, RSP leaders vie for general secretary : Leaders say there is intense competition between aspirants to get the vital roles in party leadership, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 28/07/2024)

RSP disciplinary commission recommends suspension of Mukul Dhakal from party (kh 09/07/2024), RSP relieves Mukul Dhakal of General Secretary and Spokesperson roles (kh 09/07/2024), “No longer in Rabi Lamichhane’s club,” says Dhakal after being relieved from his post (kh 09/07/2024), RSP relieves dissenting general secretary Dhakal of all party duties : Dhakal hints at launching an intra-party rebellion, declaring ‘the bell won’t stop ringing’ in a social media post (kp 10/07/2024), Former RSP General Secy Dhakal calls press conference today (rep 10/07/2024), Mukul Dhakal demands investigation against Rabi Lamichhane for passport misuse and cooperative fraud (kh 10/07/2024), Mukul Dhakal accuses DP Aryal of embezzlement and misappropriation of party funds (kh 10/07/2024), Mukul Dhakal demands probe against Lamichhane in dual passport and cooperative fraud cases : Asks the party to form an inquiry committee to investigate charges against the party chair (kp 11/07/2024), Cooperatives victims press House panel to probe Rabi Lamichhane, GB Rai : Though the panel invited representative victims of 29 cooperatives, they focused on Gorkha Media Network and the two prime accused in the scam (kp 11/07/2024), Mukul Dhakal alleges intimidation by Swarnim Wagle’s secretariat (kh 14/07/2024)

Promote a Culture of Respecting Healthy Criticisms (rep 06/07/2024) [Criticising a party leader in Nepal is tantamount to lèse majesté, even if the criticism is justified!]

All four ministers of RSP resigning today (kh 04/07/2024), After talks with PM Dahal, RSP rules out quitting government (kh 04/07/2024), (kp 04/07/2024)The RSP paradox : A political outfit founded on the popularity of an individual rather than an ideology is destined to fail

RSP General Secretary joins Central Committee meeting with black tape over his mouth (kh 03/07/2024), RSP rejects Mukul’s proposal to live stream meeting (kh 03/07/2024), RSP’s Mukul demands clear timeline from Chair Lamichhane to fulfill promises (kh 03/07/2024), RSP to take further action against General Secretary Dhakal (kh 03/07/2024) [The beginning of the end of the RSP? The party law allows the party chairmen to impose maximum penalties in the event of "lèse majesté" offences!], RSP suspends General Secretary Mukul Dhakal : Kabindra Burlakoti appointed as Acting General Secretary (kh 04/07/2024), RSP dispute: Mukul Dhakal labels suspension undemocratic and unlawful (kh 05/07/2024)

RSP to remain in government unless PM Dahal resigns (kh 02/07/2024), RSP decides not to join Nepali Congress and UML coalition (kh) [This government would already have a sufficient majority and does not need you at all. Stop running after the failed politicians Oli, Dahal and Deuba and finally start implementing the alternative policies promised at the elections. In view of the aforementioned luminaries, this can only be achieved through constructive opposition anyway. And please carefully listen to the words of your General Secretary!], Dhakal's Candid Report Jolts RSP (rn 02/07/2024)

General Secretary Dhakal fears RSP is headed for accident : His report says the party’s popularity has nosedived, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 27/06/2024), Dhakal’s suggestions on party commendable: Rabi Lamichhane (kh 27/06/2024) [Yes, and you are quite rightly the focus of Dhakal's criticism. Does every promising new party have to be destroyed just because its leader imitates the long-failed old politicians to whom he actually wanted to offer an alternative?], RSP seeks clarification from General Secretary Dhakal : Mukul Dhakal says he hasn’t read the letter sent by the party’s Central Discipline and Conduct Committee (kp 29/06/2024), General Secretary’s report creates a storm within RSP (rep)

Why are RSP leaders voicing doubt about their continuity in government? Home Minister Lamichhane on Friday and Sports Minister Shrestha on Saturday said their love for power wasn’t very deep, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 16/06/2024)

Experts find fault in Rabi Lamichhane’s ‘whataboutery’ approach in Parliament : Though he got the opportunity to speak at Parliament after insisting on it for two months, he didn’t present any convincing evidence to prove the allegations wrong, experts say, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 21/05/2024)

Hope and trust with RSP : The president of the RSP is the rock star face of the party and that face is seemingly blurred, by Randhir Chaudhary (rep 17/05/2024)

RSP declares no formation of parliamentary committee amidst NC obstruction (kh 16/05/2024) [If Lamichhane really has a clean record, why is he so vehemently opposed to a commission of enquiry and prefers to plunge the country into political chaos? That stinks to high heaven!]

RSP’s Milan Limbu fails to secure 10% votes in Ilam-2 (kh 30/04/2024) [Is the RSP another short-lived party that claimed to be alternative but then wasn't?], We acknowledge the signal bell sounded by Ilam: RSP (kh 30/04/2024), RSP after Ilam : Congress and UML continue to be the mainstays of Nepali politics. They are still hard to challenge (kp 02/05/2024)

Former DIG Kharel quits RSP (rep 27/03/2024)

Urgency across the aisle to curb RSP’s popularity, by Kamal Dev Bhattarai (ae 26/03/2024)

Patan High Court overturns Election Commission’s decision on four RSP lawmakers (kh 21/03/2024)

RSP to contest in Ilam-2 by-election, no candidacy in Bajhang (kh 11/03/2024)

RSP: Rise and risks : Certain concepts floating in the orbit of political science may explain what is going on with RSP, by Sucheta Pyakuryal (kp 10/03/2024)

RSP to hold meeting with its ministers every Sunday (rep 10/03/2024)

RSP entrusts Chairman Rabi Lamichhane to determine new equation and govt participation (kh 04/03/2024)

Six RSP lawmakers to be deployed in six municipalities of Illam from today (rep 01/03/2024)

Demography, digitalisation and diaspora will catapult RSP to power : The party doesn’t equate an inclusive liberal democratic order with federalism. We should worry more about the ends, not the means, interview with Swarnim Wagle (kp 12/02/2024) [The proposed abolition of the provincial level means federalism without federalism and safeguards the rule of the centralised male high-caste elite in a socially non-inclusive state oriented towards Hindu ideals. What is different from the last few decades? The non-realisation of federalism is due to the centralist attitude of that very elite and the RSP obviously wants to be part of it!]

RSP leaders assigned roles in pressure programs for construction boost (with list) (kh 03/02/2024)

New evidence shows Lamichhane’s dishonest share deal : The Rastriya Swatantra Party chief admits he may be accused of wrongdoing and of trying to deceive state organs over transfer of Gorkha Media shares, by Krishna Acharya (kp 23/01/2024)

RSP Chair Lamichhane files defamation case against Kantipur Publication (kh 02/01/2024)

RSP launches ward sessions (kh 14/12/2023)

Why Rastriya Swatantra Party should shed its ambivalence on federalism : We should not turn back the clock and bring Nepal to a form of semi centralized system even though many stakeholders, including the RSP, are correct in pointing out the shortcomings of provinces, by Simone Galimberti (nlt 07/12/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane acknowledges lack of inclusivity in RSP (kh 03/12/2023) [And please also make a clear commitment to secularism and federalism if the party is to be an alternative! Both are increasingly being forgotten by the other major parties!], RSP in favour of functional, economically viable provinces : Santosh Pariyar, chief whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, shares insights on the central committee and parliamentary party meeting and its decisions (interview) (kp 04/12/2023)

Rastriya Swatantra Party favours doing away with provinces : Provinces should be scrapped altogether or just one representative should represent a province, the party says, by Binod Ghimire (kp 01/12/2023) [The RSP is proving to be another male highcast party which, like the other parties, wants to control Nepal in a centralised manner. Federalism, which is more or less unwanted by all parties, could be a first important step towards better social inclusion and participation! It has therefore been one of the main demands of the non-male high-caste majority for more than 30 years. The only thing missing now is the endorsement of the Hindu state!]

Rastriya Swatantra Party adopts ‘pluralistic democracy’ as its guiding principle : Analysts say the party’s political philosophy is vague and it fails to provide clear answers on its position on federalism, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/11/2023) [Like the other major parties, the RSP is overwhelmingly dominated by male Bahuns. What is alternative about that? What about social inclusion, which can be better realised in a federal state?]

Dr. Swarnim Wagle set to assume Vice Chairman role in RSP (kh 28/11/2023), RSP nominates all its lawmakers as central committee members (kh 29/11/2023)

RSP’s intensive meetings in Jaleshwar, Mahottari: Focus on policy, expansion in Madhes (kh 27/11/2023)

RSP Chair Lamichhane defends party’s unique approach amid criticism (kh 20/09/2023)

Swatantra Party leaders face challenges in expanding organisation in Madhesh : The party, deemed to have not fully embraced federalism, is now active building its organisation in the provinces, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 04/09/2023)

‘There is possibility of unification between Bibeksheel Sajha party and RSP’ (rep 24/08/2023)

‘No decision made in RSP without discussions’, interview with Sumana Shrestha, central committee member of RSP and a federal lawmaker (kp 14/08/2023)

Vital Clues For Rastriya Swatantra Party, by Mukti Rijal (rn 10/08/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane’s new populist measures fail viability test : Lamichhane’s secretariat is unsure how it will manage the monthly rent of the free bus, estimated at Rs130,000, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 05/08/2023)

One year young: Calls for clarity in RSP’s political vision : Party sees a swift rise in electoral politics. But to deliver, it needs to change the way it functions, observers say, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 23/06/2023)

Swatantra Party leaders seek rewrite of political paper : A year after party formation, they call for clarity on political and ideological stands on major national issues, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 18/06/2023), Think long and hard : RSP leaders preparing the party’s political document should resist being swayed by populist rhetoric (kp 19/06/2023) [In particular, the party should strive to become socially inclusive at all levels, including the concerns of traditionally excluded groups. Then this young party would definitely have chances for the future compared to the non-inclusive big parties!]

Out of government, RSP working to strengthen its base : As many as 30,438 members have been verified with their memberships renewed for the next five years, leaders say, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 13/06/2023)

Can RSP walk the talk on scrapping pork barrel fund? It has brought a motion against the fund, but has yet to decide whether it will accept the fund if efforts fail (kp 06/06/2023), Got the guts? RSP lawmakers have a chance to set a sterling precedent by rejecting CDF funds for its lawmakers (kp 07/06/2023) [If the RSP really stands by it, this corrupt practice of the established parties will be properly exposed!]

Court clears way for RSP’s Kansakar to become lawmaker in place of Shrestha : Dhaka Kumar Shrestha had moved the court against his party’s decision to sack him (kp 26/05/2023)

Commitment and qualification a must for politics, interview with Pranaya SJB Rana: (ae 18/05/2023)

SC asks proof of RSP President Lamicchane’s renouncement of US passport (rep 17/05/2023)

RSP suspects meeting of top three parties as to settle Bhutanese refugee scam (rep 15/05/2023)

RSP will supports govt if it carries out pro-people activities: Rabi Lamichhane (rep 14/05/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane’s RSP and Its Future, by Diwakar Dhakal (rep 11/05/2023)

RSP’s Bindabasini Kansakar appointed HoR member (ae 08/05/2023)

Rastriya Swatantra Party to focus on organisation-building : The newly formed party is widening its reach in all districts, provinces, constituencies and local units, giving fresh impetus to the drive after withdrawing support to government, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 08/05/2023)

SC issues interim order not to implement RSP’s decision to sack its MP Dhaka Kumar Shrestha (rep 08/05/2023)

Let’s rise above political thoughts to develop country: RSP leader Khanal (kh 06/05/2023)

RSP to withdraw its support to Dahal-led government (kh 05/05/2023), Swatantra Party withdraws support to the government : Constitutional experts divided over whether PM Dahal needs to get a fresh vote of confidence in Parliament, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 06/05/2023)