RSP steps back from street protests – What’s next?

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has decided to shift its strategy away from street protests following the arrest of party president Rabi Lamichhane over allegations of misappropriating cooperative funds.

After a two-day central committee meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday, the party announced that street demonstrations would no longer be prioritized in the second phase of its agitation.

Instead, RSP plans to deploy central leaders to areas where by-elections are scheduled and organize gatherings in various regions on Nov 23 and 25.

Acting spokesperson Manish Jha stated that the leaders would clarify the party’s political stance and raise awareness about incidents of alleged political retaliation.

“We are organizing these gatherings to make our political vision clear and inform people about acts of political vendetta,” said Jha.

RSP clarified that its two-day protest program will now focus on engaging party workers and communicating key issues rather than conducting street demonstrations. The decision follows internal debates over the effectiveness and necessity of street protests.

Previously, the party had planned to center its protest activities in Kathmandu, as announced during a press conference on Nov 17.

However, after the central committee meeting, the strategy shifted to prioritize outreach and informational gatherings.

This change reflects the party’s effort to connect with the public and present its issues through alternative means, moving away from traditional street agitation methods.