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KATHMANDU, June 20: In a political twist that has raised eyebrows, the Election Commission (EC) has confirmed that Dr Mukul Dhakal is still officially listed as the General Secretary and Spokesperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)—despite the party having expelled him months ago.
Dr Dhakal, who was unceremoniously removed from all party responsibilities and later ousted from the party itself, had recently written to the EC seeking details about the party's official record. To his surprise—and perhaps amusement—the EC responded by saying that he remains, on paper, the party's General Secretary.
The EC's letter clarifies that the RSP last submitted updates to its central leadership and committee 15 months ago. Since then, no changes have been officially registered. According to the EC, there have been no updates in the RSP's official list of office bearers or central committee members since March 2024.
RSP seeks explanation from General Secretary Dhakal
The RSP had made headlines on July 9, 2024, when its central committee decided to relieve Dhakal of his responsibilities as General Secretary, Spokesperson and Central Committee member. That same meeting had endorsed a reshuffle in party leadership. However, none of those decisions were formally communicated to the EC, leaving the official record frozen in time.
Now finding himself still “officially in charge,” Dhakal has seized the moment. On Friday, he wrote to Acting Party President Dol Prasad Aryal and Vice President Dr Swarnim Wagle, requesting a meeting to discuss the situation—setting the stage for a new round of internal drama.
Interestingly, even the resignation of Deputy General Secretary Sumana Shrestha, submitted on April 16, 2025, has not been updated in EC records. According to the latest official documents, Rabi Lamichhane remains party president, Aryal and Wagle are listed as vice presidents and Dhakal—despite his ouster—continues to be recognised as the General Secretary. Kabindra Burlakoti, who currently acts as General Secretary, is still recorded as Deputy General Secretary.
This discrepancy highlights the gap between party politics and procedural formalities—and has left room for plenty of speculation. Political observers say this is not entirely surprising as the RSP is still navigating and learning the ropes of procedural formalities.
