Rabi Lamichhane, the suspended chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is under legal scrutiny as the court begins its preliminary investigation into allegations against him. Amid this, the party has been reaching out to alternative political forces, seeking support to counter the challenges Lamichhane faces.
RSP leaders, including Deputy Treasurer Dipak Bohora, have reached out to Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and leaders of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, requesting their public support for Lamichhane. Sources close to Mayor Balen’s office revealed that RSP members have used multiple channels to appeal to him. However, the Mayor has not responded, choosing instead to maintain a “wait-and-see” stance.
The party’s outreach has also sparked controversy after a fake social media post claiming that Mayor Balen urged Lamichhane’s release went viral. The post, which was widely circulated, led to dissatisfaction within Balen’s camp. The Mayor’s office denied the allegations and issued a warning of legal action against those spreading misinformation.
RSP leaders admit they are actively engaging with other political forces. A party official explained that the party is working to raise public awareness about the alleged injustice against Lamichhane. These efforts include building connections with alternative forces and independents.
In Pokhara, former Bibeksheel Sajha chair Milan Pandey recently met with Lamichhane to discuss the situation. During the meeting, Lamichhane reportedly claimed that the government’s actions against him were an attempt to suppress the rise of alternative political forces. He expressed confidence that overcoming these challenges could ultimately benefit such movements.
Leaders of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, including Ramesh Poudyal, also met with RSP members to discuss the ongoing case. While expressing concern about the situation, they suggested waiting for the court’s decision.
Tensions between Lamichhane and Mayor Balen have a history. During Lamichhane’s tenure as Home Minister, Balen sought his help in resolving issues related to squatters in Kathmandu. While Lamichhane initially assured cooperation, Balen later criticized the lack of action from the central government.
The relationship soured further when Kathmandu Metropolitan City raided a cooperative linked to Lamichhane’s wife, Nikita Poudel, during his ministerial term. The incident reportedly deepened the rift between the two leaders.
RSP leaders have also discussed engaging with other independent leaders, including Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. Lamichhane believes collaboration with independent leaders could strengthen the position of alternative forces. However, past criticisms from Sampang have made such alliances uncertain.
Lamichhane is currently facing multiple legal challenges, including allegations of embezzlement related to the Surya Darshan Cooperative. A charge sheet filed in Kaski District Court accuses him of misappropriating NPR 1.51 billion in cooperative funds. The police have also charged him with money laundering and misusing cooperative savings.
The court is expected to decide soon whether Lamichhane will be released on bail, kept in custody, or allowed to defend himself freely. Regardless of the outcome, he is likely to face further investigations in other districts, signaling a protracted legal battle ahead.
