Rastriya Prajatantra Party in Demand Amidst New Power Equation in Provinces

Kathmandu. With the formation of a new power equation of UML and CPN in the provinces, the royalist party RPP has become a subject of demand. Especially in Bagmati Province, the role of RPP will be important for the formation of a new government, which has created a stir within the party along with the demand. RPP is on the verge of its general convention to be held on December 11, 12, and 13. With the party's leadership tussle and debate over its future course of action ongoing, the issue of provincial government has added to the pressure on Chairman Rajendra Lingden. A faction within RPP is of the view that the party should not be focused on power politics. Moreover, prioritizing power on the eve of the general convention carries the risk of increasing disputes. Leaders say that Lingden is under pressure due to the fear that RPP, which has been accused of forgetting its agenda of Hindu Rashtra and monarchy and being greedy for power, will face similar accusations again on the eve of the general convention. Against this backdrop, the Central Working Committee meeting held on August 5 made a peculiar decision. On one hand, the meeting concluded that 'RPP will not participate in and will not be eager for any mathematical game of provincial governments in the current situation.' On the other hand, it entrusted 'the responsibility of taking an appropriate decision at an appropriate time to Chairman Rajendra Lingden.' Chairman Lingden is aiming to retain leadership through the upcoming general convention. However, leaders say he is adopting a cautious strategy due to the fear that if he joins the government on the eve of the general convention, the opposing factions within the party will make it an issue and surround him. A leader of RPP said that Lingden has adopted a 'wait and watch' strategy for now, fearing that the internal equation within the party might be disturbed. RPP General Secretary Rajendra Gurung also believes that the party should not join the government at present. He said, 'The meeting on the 5th itself had decided in principle and policy not to participate in the government. The government cannot be formed with our strength alone, and no one has formally invited us. Therefore, we will not join the government immediately.' However, he argued that if a formal proposal comes later, the chairman has secured the authority to respond based on that decision. The role of RPP has become decisive in the process of forming the Bagmati Province government. The province has 13 RPP MPs, a number needed by both Congress and UML. Currently, the Bagmati government is led by Congress. However, Chief Minister Indrabahadur Baniya is in the minority as UML has withdrawn its support. Also, according to the power equation with the CPN, UML is strategizing to form a government under its leadership. In such a situation, RPP has become a subject of demand. Meanwhile, CPN UML has been trying to woo RPP. At the same time, some RPP MPs are also lobbying to become ministers. However, General Secretary Gurung described the current process of forming the provincial government as a 'circus.' Gurung said, 'A circus is going on outside to try and lure RPP, but it is RPP's job to worry about the party's image.' However, leaders say that a faction within the party is also active in favor of joining the government. Leaders like General Secretary Bhuvan Pathak are in favor of joining the government immediately if they get the Speaker post or an attractive ministry in Bagmati Province. On the other hand, leaders like General Secretary Rajendra Gurung and Roshan Karki are adamant that joining the government now would be suicidal. According to sources, if a situation arises for power sharing in Bagmati Province, RPP will also stake a claim for the Speaker post. Sources say that most of the MPs and office bearers within the party are in a hurry to join the government, driven by the desire to become ministers. However, sources say that Chairman Lingden is making strategic moves to secure his position in the general convention. Another leader said that this dual policy adopted by RPP on the eve of the general convention has created confusion among the cadres. It remains to be seen whether the general convention in December will endorse Lingden's leadership or if this dual character of power politics will push him out of leadership. However, for now, the RPP's craving for power and policy ambiguity has raised questions about the party's image. RPP leader Janakraj Pathak argues that it is not right to join the government in the current situation. He stated that such actions are wrong, citing that meetings with UML Chairman KP Oli are being held bypassing the party leadership in Bagmati. Understanding this, Lingden also held discussions with RPP Bagmati MPs on Thursday. In the discussion held at the party office in Dhumbaraahi, Chairman Lingden analyzed in detail the overall political situation, the newly formed leftist alliance, and its potential impact on provincial governments. Spokesperson Mohan Shrestha informed that in the discussion, he cautioned the MPs not to participate in any power-centric mathematical games without clear party directives and procedures.