KATHMANDU, Jan 3: Two central members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have demanded a 'course correction,' calling the action against Dr Mukul Dhakal a mistake. They have written a letter to acting chairman Dol Prasad Aryal, urging Dhakal's reinstatement.
Those demanding course correction are Koshi Province Chairman Rajesh Timsina and Madhesh Province Chairman Tapeshwor Yadav, both central members of the party.
In a letter written on Tuesday, Timsina clearly stated that he had withdrawn his signature from the decision to expel Mukul. He argued that the RSP is facing its biggest crisis, and the future of alternative politics and the Nepali people's hopes are at stake. Timsina described the developments since mid-June as ‘sad and unfortunate.’
He further emphasized that the party had become weaker following Dhakal’s expulsion and that RSP workers in Koshi Province had expressed similar concerns. Timsina suggested that corrective steps were necessary for the party to move forward together. As a result, he withdrew his consent from decisions to remove Dhakal from his positions as general secretary, spokesperson, central committee member, and ordinary member. Timsina believes that the party's ‘Right to Recall’ provision allows for such actions and expressed his opinion that Dhakal should be reinstated with his previous responsibilities. Timsina also called for unity within the party, urging all sides to abandon mutual animosities and work together during this critical time.
According to sources, Madhesh Province Chairman Yadav also withdrew his signature from the decision, citing the damage caused to the party by actions taken without valid reasons. Yadav, however, refrained from explicitly naming Dhakal in his statements but expressed support for moving forward together within the party Timsina posted his letter in a social media group for central committee members, while Yadav reportedly sent his letter directly to Acting Chairman Aryal.
Acting General Secretary of RSP Kabindra Burlakoti confirmed that Timsina had sent the letter, but added that Yadav had not. Burlakoti downplayed the issue, stating that it was not significant enough to warrant further discussion. He emphasized that the upcoming central committee meeting for January 3-5 should focus on more pressing matters.
RSP seeks explanation from General Secretary Dhakal
Will there be a discussion in the central committee?
Burlakoti dismissed the need for discussion, stating that the issue had already been decided by the party’s disciplinary and central committees. Joint Spokesperson Ramesh Prasai echoed this sentiment, arguing that the matter had been resolved through the proper process and did not warrant further debate.
However, Timsina insisted that the issue should be raised in the central committee meeting, asserting that the matter had originated there and should be addressed accordingly.
Is ‘course correction’ possible?
Timsina, reflecting on Dhakal’s role in party building, argued that it was essential to reinstate him. He likened the party to a family, with Rabi Lamichhane playing a fatherly role and Dhakal playing a motherly one. Timsina suggested that although there had been some disagreements between them, it was now time for the party to reconcile.
He warned that failing to make a course correction would further weaken the party, especially given the ongoing challenges faced by the government and the party leadership. Timsina emphasized the importance of unity in difficult times, stating that the party’s strength would depend on collective action.
Yadav also supported this view, expressing that there was no alternative but to move forward together. He stressed the need for self-reflection among party leaders and a commitment to unity.
Acting General Secretary Burlakoti’s position
Acting General Secretary Burlakoti maintained that there was no possibility of reversing the decision made by the central committee. He said that the decision had been made democratically and in accordance with party rules, and that the party would not change its stance based on individual opinions. Burlakoti said that the party would not be swayed by those seeking to alter the decision.
Joint Spokesperson Prasai also dismissed the idea of a course correction, arguing that the party’s decision had been made in line with its rules and procedures. He asserted that any wrong decisions would have been addressed through the disciplinary process, and there was no need for further changes.
The time for ‘course correction’ is approaching
Former General Secretary Dhakal, who is at the center of the controversy, believes that the time for course correction is rapidly approaching.
"First of all, no one spoke a word when the insulting action was taken against me," Dhakal said, "At least now, someone has started speaking out, saying that there was a mistake. I believe that others in the party, which has knowledgeable members, will also speak out in this way."
Dhakal further said that since the matter has entered the judicial process, the point of course correction would naturally follow the court's verdict. He made it clear that if the court finds Lamichhane innocent, he would accept being wrong and apologize. However, if Lamichhane is found guilty, it would vindicate his stance and create an environment for his return to the party.
"As a party that believes in the rule of law, we must respect the court’s decision," Dhakal said, “If the court finds Rabi guilty, then my position will be validated. And if it is right, shouldn't the person who took action against me be returned the favour with respect?"
