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)

Should Rastriya Swatantra Party join the government? They could take a leaf out of the book of Canadian politics
The creation of a confidence and supply agreement with the ruling coalition could give RSP a lot of influence without losing its opposition status, by Simone Galimberti (nlt 05/05/2023)

Dahal keen to rope in RSP as coalition partners dither : The prime minister is ready to re-allocate the three ministries the RSP led earlier, says spokesperson, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 02/05/2023) [Is the RSP willing to give up its independence for power and posts? Where is the difference?]

Rabi Lamichhane says court cannot examine Attorney General’s decision : The writ petitioner Yubaraj Poudel, however, claims the attorney general’s powers as stipulated by Article 158(2) does not apply in Lamichhane’s case, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 02/05/2023)

Fork in the road for RSP : Can the party develop a loyal cadre base that can work for the long haul without seeking immediate personal gains?, by Biswas Baral (kp 01/05/2023)

When renowned world cyclist Pushkar Shah was denied entry into the RSP office... (rep 01/05/2023)

Division in ruling coalition over possible Cabinet entry of Swatantra Party : While the prime minister wants to accommodate the party, RSP leaders say they are yet to seriously discuss matter, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp  01/05/2023), PM Dahal asks RSP to join govt : Expresses willingness to investigate corruption cases (kh 01/05/2023), RSP to take decision on joining government only on Friday (ae 01/05/2023)

Aryal resigns as leader of the parliamentary party of RSP (rep 30/04/2023), Rabi Lamichhane picked leader of RSP parliamentary party (kh 01/05/2023)

RSP may withdraw its support to govt: Rabi Lamichhane (rep 28/04/2023), Swatantra Party carefully calculating government support : Prime Minister Dahal is trying to woo Rabi Lamichhane as Maoist Centre leaders apparently fear a Congress betrayal, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 29/04/2023)

Dhaka Kumar Shrestha officially loses lower House membership : Rastriya Swatantra Party had on April 13 expelled Shrestha after a leaked audio suggested he demanded bribes from a businessman (kp 25/04/2023)

RSP Chair Lamichhane hints at withdrawing support to government (kh 25/04/2023)

Swarnim Wagle elected from Tanahun-1 : The renowned economist and former vice-chair of National Planning Commission had rebelled against Nepali Congress and joined Rashtriya Swatantra Party to contest the by-election from Tanahu-1. He won by a huge margin (nlt 25/04/2023), Rabi Lamichhane secures landslide victory from Chitwan-2 : The Rastriya Swatantra Party chairman got reelected from the same constituency twice in five months with a much larger number of votes than in the November 2022 polls (nlt 25/04/2023)

National miasma : Independent party all set to overturn Nepal’s national politics in crucial by-elections, by Shristi Karki (nt 21/04/2023)

Swatantra Party cadres under public scrutiny : They are growing anarchic, intolerant of criticism and are no different than traditional party cadres, say observers, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 21/04/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane’s supporters becoming increasingly anarchic, by Arun Bam (rep 17/04/2023)

RSP’s sacking of lawmaker may hit legal hurdle : A court can scrap the party’s decision made without following due process, say multiple law practitioners, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 15/04/2023)

An undercurrent of discontent in RSP : ‘Party chair showed [my Facebook] post and a news item in Kantipur as the basis for taking action against me,’ says sacked lawmaker Dhaka Kumar Shrestha, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 14/04/2023)

Swatantra Party picks Kansakar to replace sacked lawmaker : Two leaders of the new party lost their parliamentary seats within two-and-a-half months (kp 13/04/2023)

Dhaka Kumar Shrestha recommended to be removed as lawmaker and expelled from Rastriya Swatantra Party (nlt 12/04/2023), Suspended Swatantra Party lawmaker now on corruption watchdog’s radar : The tradition of exchanging positions of power for money will promote policy corruption, experts say, by Prithvi Man Shrestha (kp 12/04/2023), Rastriya Swatantra Party expels its lawmaker Dhaka Kumar Shrestha (nlt 12/04/2023), Positive beginning: RSP’s pledge to support state agencies in investigating the alleged bribery by its MP set a new standard in Nepali politics (nlt 13/04/2023)

RSP stuck in the muck it promised to clean up : The proponents of alternative politics have been mired in controversies, one after another, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 11/04/2023)

Second audiotape of RSP lawmaker Shrestha released (rep 11/04/2023)

Audio scandal a political propaganda ahead of elections: Lamichhane (rep 10/04/2023) [???], Santosh Pariyar apologizes in parliament over audio tape of bribe demand by RSP lawmaker (nlt 10/04/2023)

Lamichhane and the Long Arm of the Law, by Akhilesh Tripati (rep 09/04/2023)

RSP suspends its MP Dhaka Kumar Shrestha after audiotape of him demanding Rs 20 million from Durga Prasai (rep 09/04/2023), Audio of RSP MP Dhaka Shrestha allegedly asking Durga Prasai Rs 20 million leaked (kh 09/04/2023), RSP seeks clarification from MP Dr Shrestha on controversial phone call (kh 09/04/2023)

The Swarnim Waglé effect: Can RSP rise as an alternative political force to liberals? For a long time, Nepali Congress enjoyed the advantage of being the only established democratic force of the country. Rastriya Swatantra Party has shown some initial indications that it can be an alternative platform for liberal candidates (nlt 05/04/2023) [So far, the RSP is less alternative, which would mean different from the old parties, than additional!]

Swatantra Party announces bypoll candidates : Rabi Lamichhane will contest from Chitwan-2, Swarnim Wagle from Tanahun-1 and Ramesh Kharel from Bara-2 (kp 02/04/2023) [Exclusively male Bahuns in this "alternative" party too! Besides, if I don't get nominated as a candidate in one party, then I'll just switch to a more willing party.]

RSP to contest by-elections without forming an alliance (rep 25/03/2023)

RSP holding discussions on whether or not to join govt (rep 22/03/2023)

No plans to join govt immediately: RSP chair Lamichhane (kh 13/03/2023)

upreme Court says Rabi Lamichhane passport issue will be resolved as per law : The Rastriya Swatantra Party chief can face a criminal charge if he is found to have simultaneously possessed passports of Nepal and the US, by Binod Ghimire (kp 08/03/2023)

RSP forms province committees in all seven provinces (kh 01/03/2023)

Parliamentarian Sumana Shrestha rejects allowance offered by a government agency and an INGO. Her move is widely appreciated on social media : On February 27, Sumana Shrestha, Member of Parliament from Rastriya Swatantra Party posted a status on social media regarding the allowance offered by a government agency and an INGO (nlt 28/02/2023)

RSP decides to continue support to incumbent govt (kh 27/02/2023)

RSP to join govt soon provided it gets Home Ministry : Chairman Lamichhane to contest again from Chitwan-2 (kh 13/02/2023) [Please remember that laws also apply to Rabi Lamichhane!]

Government starts probe into Lamichhane’s Nepali passport : If found guilty, the RSP chief could face a jail term of three years and Rs30,000 fine, by Tika R Pradhan (kp 10/02/2023)

RSP’s Rash Decision To Quit Govt, by Tirtha Bhattarai (rn 09/02/2023) [The real mistake was that this party, which wanted to be an alternative force, joined a government of the repeatedly failed old forces in the first place!]

Some RSP leaders troubled by Lamichhane’s Sunday outburst : They are exploring ways of damage control, although the matter is yet to be officially discussed at any party forum, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 07/02/2023), Shooting the messenger : Lamichhane must be well aware that Nepali mainstream media is considered among the freest (kp 07/02/2023), KMG chief Sirohiya breaks his silence : Offers point-by-point rebuttals of the charges against him and his family (kp 08/02/2023)

RSP to withdraw from, but continue to support Govt (rn 05/02/2023) [Parties that started out as an alternative should not support a government of the old failed politicians, let alone become member of such a government!], RSP Chairman Lamichhane vents anger at media; says he became a victim of media attacks (kh 05/02/2023) [??], RSP ministers tender resignation (kh), Urmila Aryal files candidacy for NA vice chair (rn 05/02/2023), Lamichhane throws a tantrum on losing stable Home : Rastriya Swatantra Party chief lashes out at the media and threatens to encircle their offices for supposedly blocking his way back to the government. Blames everyone but himself for his loss of deputy prime minister and home minister position, by Tika R Pradhan and Purushottam Poudel (kp 06/02/2023) [Why do young political forces always quickly destroy the hopes placed in them for a renewal of Nepali politics?], RSP denied home ministry, quits govt : All three ministers of the Lamichhane-led party submit resignation to Prime Minister Dahal, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 06/02/2023)

RSP undecided about PM’s new proposal; to boycott Sunday’s Parliament meeting (kh 05/02/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane and dual citizenship in Nepal : No constitutional provision for dual citizenship, but state offers limited citizenship rights for non-resident Nepalis, by Binod Ghimire (kp 05/02/2023)

Dispute over giving home ministry to Swatantra Party : CPN-UML and Rastriya Prajatantra Party are for allowing Rabi Lamichhane’s party to head the ministry while leaders of prime minister’s party seem strongly against it, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 30/01/2023), UML Chairman exerts pressure on PM Dahal to reinstate Lamichhane as home minister (kh 30/01/2023) [Lamichhane may have regained Nepali citizenship in a sudden night and day action, but not parliamentary membership! But KP Oli has never been much for legitimate procedures and will not understand this!], Rule v Rabi : Questioning the apex court verdict for the benefit of one politician sets a dangerous precedent (kp 31/01/2023), Lamichhane’s Fall From Grace, by Narayan Upadhyay (rn 31/01/2023), SC Ruling And Lamichhane's Ministerial Claims, by Tirtha Bhattarai (rn 02/02/2023), Lamichhane's position as MP revoked: HoR speaker (ht 02/02/2023), Rabi Lamichhane is Home-less : Prime Minister Dahal’s refusal to hand back the Home Ministry to the RSP may be the tipping point for his fragile coalition, by Shristi Karki (nt 03/02/2023), Rabi Lamichhane's appointment as minister unconstitutional for at least three months : Article 291 of the Constitution of Nepal does not allow appointment to any state positions for three months, by Tapendra Karki (rep 04/02/2023) [!!]

What next for RSP? At no time should a party be synonymous with a single leader who is seemingly irreplaceable (kp 30/01/2023) [All Nepali parties are under the authoritarian control of a very few politicians who consider themselves indispensable and do not tolerate any expression of dissent! The RSP wanted to be different.]

Rabi Lamchhane acquires Nepali citizenship again (kh 29/01/2023) [This sounds extremely fast! Millions of young people have been waiting in vain for this for years!], With citizenship, Lamichhane regains party presidency : Lamichhane, whose status as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister and party president was scrapped on Friday by the apex court, reacquired Nepali citizenship and returned to the party top post on Sunday (kp 30/01/2023)

Rabi Lamchhane acquires Nepali citizenship again (kh 29/01/2023) [This sounds extremely fast! Millions of young people have been waiting in vain for this for years!], Dual passport could cost Lamichhane his political career : Act relating to House of Representatives formation makes one guilty of passport misuse unfit to contest elections, by Binod Ghimire (kp 29/01/2023)

RSP postpones scheduled programs, urges all to show moderation (kh 27/01/2023) [The SC verdict is also likely to question Lamichhane's office as party president!], RSP picks Dol Prasad Aryal as its Acting President (kh 28/01/2023)

Rabi Lamichhane found guilty in citizenship case : Loses posts of DPM, Home Minister and parliamentarian (kh 27/01/2023), Rabi Lamichhane not eligible to remain lawmaker (nlt 23/01/2023), Supreme Court annuls Rabi Lamichhane’s status as lawmaker : The Constitutional Bench concluded that the citizenship presented by Lamichhane to contest the election was invalid (kp 27/01/2023), Home Minister Lamichhane submits resignation to PM Dahal (kh), As a non-citizen, I have nothing left to say: Rabi Lamichhane : I accept Supreme Court’s decision, says Lamichhane (kh) [This distinguishes him significantly from KP Oli, who to this day does not accept the SC decisions of 2021!], The rise and fall of Rabi Lamichhane : Nepal’s Home Minister resigns after the Supreme Court rules he is not a Nepali citizen (nt 27/01/2023)

RSP to expand its organization within four months (kh 23/01/2023)

Rastriya Swatantra Party goes against its own policy as it picks plum Cabinet posts : In its bargain for positions, the new party led by Rabi Lamichhane seems to have forgotten its own commitment to cutting costs of legislature and administration. Experts see the party no different in its quest for power, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 19/01/2023)

Apex Court refuses to issue interim order in Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane’s case : The Supreme Court has said that the full hearing for the case has been scheduled for January 25 (nlt 06/01/2023)

RSP is not anti-federalist, interview with Santosh Pariyar, MP (ae 03/01/2023)

A parlous path ahead for Rabi Lamichhane : Within six months of quitting TV job, the Rastriya Swatantra Party chief has emerged as one of most powerful leaders, by Nishan Khatiwada (kp 27/12/2022), Rabi Lamichhane: Combative journalist turned home minister (rep 27/12/2022)

RSP to join govt under Chairman Rabi Lamichhane’s leadership (kh 26/12/2022), We joined govt after formation of a commission to probe corruption was ensured: Lamichhane (rep 26/12/2022) [Yes, please trust that the corrupt will control the corruption!], RSP Chair Lamichhane to be sworn in as Deputy Prime Minister (kh 26/12/2022)

SC refuses to issue stay order against Rabi Lamichhane’s oath taking (kh 21/12/2022)

The burden of trust: RSP’s challenges : Members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party are young, educated, and driven, which is good but not enough, by Naresh Koirala (kp 21/12/2022)

SC receives writ demanding revocation of Rabi Lamichhane’s HoR membership (kh 14/12/2022), Petition claims Lamichhane is not a Nepali citizen : The journalist-turned-politician is accused of not ceding his Nepali citizenship even after taking US citizenship (kp 15/12/2022)

Rastriya Swatantra Party intensifies talks in a bid to join govt (kh 14/12/2022) [You were elected as an alternative to the old failed politicians and parties, not to help them stay in power!]

Rabi Lamichhane’s RSP willing to join govt, discussions underway on agendas (kh 11/12/2022) [You can't steer the political system in the right direction by supporting the repeatedly failed politicians in their power ambitions, whatever conditions you set. For this the people have not elected you! Only a change of personnel to a younger generation at the top of the major parties could justify participation!]

RSP submits HoR members under PR category to EC (kh 11/12/2022)

RSP in hot waters; leaders question party’s intention while naming PR members (kh 08/12/2022)

RSP’s things-to-do list is a bridge too far, economists say : The party has said it wants to bring revolutionary change in Nepal’s economy, but it is confused about how that is going to happen, by Pawan Pandey (kp 05/12/2022) [As an important opposition force, they will have time to work out solutions. After all, they are still a very young party!]

Dr. Toshima Karki resigns from NMC (kh 05/12/2022)

Conflict in Lamichhane’s RSP; 47 district members demand Makawanpur Chair’s resignation (kh 04/12/2022), Swatantra Party district chief accused of helping Nepali Congress candidate : Dispute appears to upset members of the public elated by new party’s electoral success, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 05/12/2022)

New parliament to have seven national parties, including two new ones : Emergence of Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party and CK Raut-led Janamat Party as two new national parties (rep 03/12/2022)

Two new forces enter federal parliament as national parties : Rabi Lamichhane’s Rastriya Swatantra Party and CK Raut’s Janamat Party make the cut after the election results pour in, by Binod Ghimire (kp 30/11/2022)

Expat push key to Swatantra Party’s electoral success : Migrant workers and students studying abroad had urged their family members back in Nepal to cast their votes in favour of RSP this election, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 25/11/2022), RSP, new kid on the block, chimes with voters : Wins five parliamentary seats in valley, placed 3rd in PR vote count, by Ram Kumar Kamat (ht 25/11/2022)

The scrutiny of incoming Swatantra Party lawmakers has already begun : While some find party’s lack of clear ideology troubling, others reckon its ranks of field experts will serve well, by Purushottam Poudel (kp 24/11/2022)

Times they’re changing : The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party reflects the passion for change among Nepali voters (kp 24/11/2022)

Congress takes lead in preliminary vote counting : Rastriya Swatantra Party makes an encouraging entry into national politics (kp 22/11/2022)

Rise of Rastriya Swatantra Party due to frustration with major parties Which parties will suffer due to rise of Swatantra Party? How will ruling coalition and UML fare?, by Ameet Dhakal (Setopati 20/11/2022)

Former journo Ravi Lamichhane announces ‘Rashtriya Swotantra Party’ (kh 21/06/2022), EC receives two petitions urging it not to register Ravi Lamichhane’s party (kh 22/06/2022)

Rastriya Swatantra Party (website)