Rabi Lamichhane, mediaperson turned politician, has initiated a controversy after he openly challenged some media houses and senior journalists. In a press meet to announce that his party, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will be leaving the present Prachanda-led government, Lamichhane raised many questions about big media and senior editors.
In the last general election, Rabi Lamichhane and his party RSP has gained a good position in the House of Representatives. They won 20 seats and established themselves as nationally recognized party. It was a great achievement for any new party. RSP rose the ladder with agenda as corruption control, establishing good governance in the country. It stood as fourth party in the House of Representatives after Nepali Congress, CPN UML and CPN (Maoist Centre).
Angry young man
We can say that Rabi and his teammates as angry young men. They were raising voice against the current political parties, their leaders and their worsened service delivery. No doubt, RSP’s concern was obvious. The major political parties and their leaders have been engaged mostly in corruption, nepotism, and over politicisation. Their polluted political culture has marred the country’s entire system of governance. Over politicisation in all sectors, including civil service, police, and other major state organs has remained one of the burning issue in the present Nepal.
Rabi and his friends have been raising voice against all these corrupt practices. People also listened their voice and believed on RSP in the last general election.
However, it is yet to confirm whether RSP will fulfill the people’s aspirations. RSP joined the present government but left it within 35 days. Why? The question is unanswered. In his citizenship issue, Rabi had to clarify about it properly and accept the Supreme Court’s decision. After apex court’s decision, he should have nominated other friends for the Home Minister portfolio. Many argue that Rabi himself was demanding the post, at least for six months. But PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda rejected his demand as his own party CPN (Maoist Centre) was creating pressure over Prachanda to take back Home Ministry.
In this case, Rabi had to accept other ministries as well. There were many areas RSP could show their strength and proved themselves as clean, good governance. RSP’s friends, for example Ministers Dol Prasad Aryal, Shishir Khanal and Dr Toshima Karki, were unable to show their skill in these short period of time.
Instead, Rabi went criticizing media fraternity. Press may have different opinion and views, and they may be positive or negative. Yes, press may have many weakness and flaws, but they cannot go against good practices. If any competent authority take fair action against any culprit, it would be a matter of applause. Just to raise unauthenticated and invalidated arguments may weaken his popularity.
