A dispute has arisen within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) over the selection of an acting president, bringing to light a rift between Vice Presidents Dr. Swarnim Waglé and Dol Prasad Aryal.

Party President Rabi Lamichhane has been in custody in Kaski since October 19 on charges of cooperative fraud, with investigations also underway regarding organized crime and money laundering. Lamichhane is also suspected to be involved in fraud cases connected to the Surya Darshan Cooperative in Pokhara and Supreme Cooperative in Butwal, lowering the likelihood of his immediate release.

In Lamichhane’s absence, RSP has yet to appoint an acting president, which has escalated internal tensions. According to party insiders, both Aryal and Waglé are vying for the acting president role, leading the party to divide into “Aryal faction” and “Waglé faction,” as described by a senior party member.

Aryal had briefly served as acting president when Lamichhane was convicted in a citizenship case, positioning him as a natural successor. However, Waglé reportedly disapproved of Lamichhane’s decision to appoint Aryal as Minister of Labor and Employment.

In a recent Central Committee meeting, Aryal led the “Save Rabi Lamichhane” campaign protests, which, according to Waglé’s supporters, lacked effective leadership, suggesting Waglé should lead the Kathmandu demonstrations instead. 

The committee ultimately formed a main protest committee under Aryal’s leadership and assigned Waglé to lead public engagement. Although Aryal reported success in the Pokhara protest, dissent remains within the party.

Meanwhile, Lamichhane has begun documenting his thoughts in a diary, with plans to publish his writings. Lawmaker Santosh Pariyar shared that Lamichhane has been writing about the government’s injustices and his vision for the future.

In the meantime, RSP members are also discussing a letter from GB Rai that contains accusations against Lamichhane, adding to the tension within the party.

Ravi Lamichhane Dr. Swarnim Waglé Dol Prasad Aryal