Leadership Clash Escalates Within RPP

A major internal conflict has erupted within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a political party advocating for the restoration of monarchy and the declaration of Nepal as a Hindu state. The dispute between Chairman Rajendra Lingden and General Secretary Dhawal Shamsher Rana has reached a critical point, leading to separate meetings, public programs, and increasing confusion among party cadres.

Growing Tensions: Demand for Executive Meeting

The faction led by General Secretary Rana has demanded an executive committee meeting, citing dissatisfaction with recent actions by the party leadership. Currently, the executive committee comprises 41 members supporting Chairman Lingden, while 11 members back Rana. As per the party statute, a minimum of 17 members can formally request such a meeting, but insiders say the leadership is unwilling to convene it.

Rana stated that they were compelled to demand the meeting because Chairman Lingden began expelling key leaders without consultation. “We did not start the dispute. It began when the Chairman started sacking leaders arbitrarily,” Rana said.

Key Resignations and Dismissals Spark Crisis

Several senior and long-time party members have begun to resign. Controversial decisions, such as removing Nawaraj Subedi from his responsibilities and ousting Sagunsundar Lawati from the spokesperson role, have added fuel to the fire. Accusations have also been made against Lingden’s personal secretary for misbehaving with grassroots members.

Kishor Bahadur Karki, a central committee member, has resigned, stating that the internal turmoil contradicts the party’s core agenda of restoring the monarchy.

Subedi, who previously led the party’s discipline committee, was replaced by Vice President Roshan Karki, prompting him to approach the Election Commission. Lawati, who has now aligned with Rana, was also removed from his spokesperson position.

Senior Leaders Speak Out

Top leaders including Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani, Vice President Bikram Pandey, Mukunda Shyam Giri, and General Secretaries Rana and Kunti Shah have issued a joint statement condemning Subedi’s removal as unconstitutional. Lingden also removed Giri from his Vice President post, despite having nominated him earlier.

In a bid to ease tensions, Lingden visited Vice President Rabindra Mishra at his residence. However, the situation within RPP shows no signs of calming.

Faction Holds Separate Gathering

The dissident faction has organized a separate meeting, attended by over 50 senior leaders including:

• Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani (former Chairman)
• Haribahadur Basnet (Executive Member and former Minister)
• Vice Presidents Bikram Pandey and Mukunda Shyam Giri
• General Secretaries Dhawal Shamsher Rana and Kunti Shah
• Former spokesperson Sagunsundar Lawati
• Assistant Spokesperson Praveen Kumar Thokar Tamang
• Assistant General Secretaries Prem Balayar, Rishiraj Devkota, and Saurendra Bahadur Shah

This faction is mounting pressure on Chairman Lingden to reconsider his actions.

Party’s Official Response

Party spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha accused the dissidents of creating unnecessary disputes. He explained that Roshan Karki was appointed only after Subedi had publicly left the party during a mass meeting on March 17, 2025 (Chaitra 4, 2081 BS).

Shrestha also defended the removal of Lawati and Giri, stating it was done as per party rules after repeated warnings from the Chairman. “This is a procedural decision. When a position becomes vacant due to resignation or inactivity, someone else must be appointed,” he added.

Party Prepares for Disciplinary Action

The establishment faction has signaled strict action against those working against party unity. The party’s discipline committee has already cautioned members not to engage in divisive or anti-party activities and urged leaders to refrain from public or social media comments.

The dissident group, however, vows to continue their internal struggle. “We’ve made our position clear—we will not tolerate authoritarianism within the party,” said a Rana faction leader.

Movement Undermined by Infighting

As the RPP remains entangled in internal strife, its broader movement to restore the monarchy is at risk. The party’s involvement in street protests has stalled, weakening the royalist momentum.

On March 28, 2025 (Chaitra 15, 2081 BS), some leaders attempted to bypass the party to lead independent protests, which drew criticism and was seen as tarnishing the image of former King Gyanendra Shah.

Allegations of Political Violence Ignored

Further controversy surrounds Chairman Lingden after allegations emerged that he shielded individuals accused of assaulting long-time party activist Raju Gaire, known for his devotion to the monarchy and religious agenda.

Last Thursday, Gaire was allegedly attacked by Lingden’s personal secretary Chhatra Khadayat at a restaurant near the party office, following social media criticism. A viral video of the helmet attack has sparked outrage.

Despite filing a police complaint, Gaire claims that the authorities refused to register a formal FIR, and the party has neither responded nor contacted him.

Party spokesperson Shrestha downplayed the incident as a “personal matter,” stating, “Life exists beyond politics too.”