KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is once again taking center stage in Nepal’s political arena, staging a demonstration in Kathmandu today to demand the reinstatement of the monarchy and the release of party leaders and cadres detained by the police. The local administration has designated Balkhu as the protest site, following the violent incident in Tinkune on March 28 that resulted in the deaths of two individuals. Although the party had sought permission to hold a mass gathering at Bhrikuti Mandap, the District Administration Office in Kathmandu restricted the protest to either Sifal or Balkhu.

As the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) stages a major demonstration in Balkhu, Kathmandu, the city finds itself in gridlock, with traffic snarls spreading across the capital. Security agencies have been placed on high alert, deploying personnel in large numbers to maintain order and prevent violence. The RPP, aware of the heightened tensions, has mobilized volunteers to safeguard the protest from potential infiltrators who might incite violence.

Security forces, including Nepal Police, the Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department, have significantly ramped up their presence, with plainclothes officers blending into the crowds to monitor the situation closely. This heightened vigilance comes in the aftermath of the Tinkune massacre, where a lack of coordination among security agencies led to widespread criticism.

Yesterday, a high-level meeting was held at police headquarters, bringing together Inspector General of Nepal Police Deepak Thapa, Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Raju Aryal, and Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutraj Thapa. The heads of all three security agencies discussed the growing frequency of protests in the capital and identified royalist demonstrations as particularly prone to anarchy. “The lack of sufficient plainclothes personnel in Tinkune caused critical information gaps,” an insider noted. “This time, the integration of all three security mechanisms has been prioritized to avoid repeating past mistakes.”

Once a force to be reckoned with, the RPP has found itself back in the limelight after a series of protests in major provinces. With 14 seats in the federal parliament, the party has been rallying support for its cause, calling for the restoration of the monarchy, the reestablishment of a Hindu state, and the dismantling of federalism. But the party has yet to reveal whether these protests mark the beginning of a decisive movement to “correct the course” of Nepali politics, as it claims.

The RPP’s push for the return of the monarchy and the dissolution of federalism has been ongoing since Nepal abolished its centuries-old monarchy in 2008 and transitioned to a federal republic. Despite its limited presence in parliament and its inability to garner widespread public support, the RPP appears intent on reigniting its appeal.

Political observers suggest that the party’s protests aim to capitalize on the growing public frustration with the country’s major political players—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN (Maoist Center). With the economy in dire straits, rampant corruption, and rising unemployment, Lingden believes the RPP’s push for a new political agreement is both necessary and timely.
Yet, major political forces are unlikely to make any concessions to the RPP unless it is able to rally a massive street protest. While the general public may be disgruntled with the status quo, political observers contend that many will not back the RPP’s agenda to dismantle the current system established by the 2015 constitution.

The RPP’s vision for a “new political agreement” remains vague, with Lingden proposing that the current parties continue to govern, but with a monarch serving as the head of state in place of the president.

The RPP’s story is one of political transformation, a journey from the ashes of the partyless Panchayat system to the rise of a party struggling to balance its royalist identity with Nepal’s democratic future. Though its road ahead remains uncertain, the party’s actions are a reminder of the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity in Nepal’s political landscape. As the country grapples with its identity in the post-monarchy era, the RPP stands as a symbol of a bygone era, attempting to reshape Nepal’s future while holding onto the ideals of its past.

The Genesis of RPP

The RPP’s story began in 1990, a year that marked the end of the Panchayat regime and the restoration of multiparty democracy in Nepal. The party formally emerged in 1992, following the merger of two factions led by two former Panchayat-era prime ministers, Surya Bahadur Thapa and Lokendra Bahadur Chand. These factions, despite ideological similarities, represented competing personalities rather than a cohesive vision.

Initially, RPP’s ideology drew heavily from its Panchayat past, advocating for a constitutional monarchy and a conservative sociopolitical framework. The party positioned itself as a proponent of nationalism, democracy, and liberalism—a blend that sought to preserve traditional values while adapting to the democratic milieu. However, critics often dismissed RPP as a relic of Nepal’s autocratic past, labeling it a congregation of former “panchas” rather than a forward-looking political force.

The Early Years: Struggles and Coalitions

The RPP’s electoral journey began humbly. In the 1991 elections, the first under the newly restored democratic framework, the party secured only four seats in the 205-member parliament. This modest start underscored the challenges faced by a party trying to redefine itself in a transformed political arena.

The 1994 elections marked a turning point. With 20 seats, RPP became the third-largest party in parliament, positioning itself as a kingmaker in Nepal’s coalition politics. This newfound relevance was both a boon and a bane. While it allowed the party to participate in successive coalition governments, it also exposed deep-seated factionalism.

In 1997, RPP leaders Lokendra Bahadur Chand and Surya Bahadur Thapa alternated as prime ministers in coalition arrangements. These stints, though short-lived, demonstrated the party’s ability to navigate Nepal’s fragmented political system. However, internal divisions often undermined its coherence and effectiveness, culminating in a formal split in 1998.

Factionalism and Reunification

The RPP’s history is punctuated by splits and reunifications. The 1998 split between the Chand and Thapa factions was emblematic of its internal discord. Both groups struggled to assert dominance, and their electoral performance in the 1999 general elections was dismal. Realizing the futility of fragmentation, the factions reunited in December 1999, but the truce was short-lived.

In 2004, another split occurred when Surya Bahadur Thapa formed the Rashtriya Janashakti Party (RJP), further weakening the RPP. A year later, Kamal Thapa, then serving as home minister under King Gyanendra’s direct rule, formed a breakaway faction—RPP-Nepal. These divisions mirrored the broader turmoil in Nepali politics during the monarchy’s contentious attempts to reclaim executive power.

A Party in Transition

The period between 2005 and 2008 was a defining era for the RPP. Nepal’s political landscape underwent seismic shifts with the abolition of the monarchy and the declaration of a federal democratic republic. For a party rooted in monarchist ideology, these changes posed an existential challenge.

In the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections, the RPP’s performance was modest. The party secured 8 seats through the proportional representation system, while its offshoots, RPP-Nepal and RJP, also managed a handful of seats. This fragmented presence reflected the party’s diminished influence and the growing irrelevance of monarchist rhetoric in republican Nepal.

Reunification and Resurgence

The years following the abolition of the monarchy were marked by efforts to reunify the splintered right-wing forces. In 2013, RPP and RJP merged, bringing Surya Bahadur Thapa back into the fold. The unified party sought to redefine its role in a republican setup, emphasizing nationalism, cultural preservation, and economic liberalism over overt monarchism.

By the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections, the RPP, including its various factions, had become a significant force on the right. Collectively, they secured 37 seats, a testament to their combined appeal in a politically polarized environment. This resurgence, however, was tempered by continued infighting and ideological ambiguities.

The Modern RPP: Ideological Shifts and Challenges

In 2016, a major milestone was achieved when RPP and RPP-Nepal announced their unification under the leadership of Kamal Thapa and Pashupati Shamsher Rana. The unified party retained the RPP’s name and symbol (the cow), signaling a fresh start. However, ideological differences persisted. While some leaders advocated for a complete embrace of republicanism, others clung to the idea of a “benevolent monarch” as a stabilizing figure in times of crisis.

The party’s platform evolved to address contemporary issues such as federalism, national security, and cultural preservation. While retaining its right-wing credentials, the RPP adopted a more pragmatic approach, seeking to appeal to younger voters and broader constituencies.

Electoral Performance and Prospects

The RPP’s electoral fortunes have fluctuated. In recent elections, the party has struggled to regain the influence it wielded in the 1990s. Its vote base, primarily conservative and nationalist, has faced stiff competition from larger parties like the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN). Despite these challenges, the RPP remains a notable player in Nepal’s political arena, particularly in its advocacy for Hindu nationalism and cultural identity.

One of the RPP’s enduring challenges has been its leadership dynamics. The party’s top ranks have often been dominated by a few prominent figures, leading to accusations of nepotism and a lack of internal democracy. This concentration of power has hindered the emergence of new leaders and fresh ideas, perpetuating the image of the RPP as a party stuck in the past.

As Nepal grapples with issues like federalism, economic development, and social inclusion, the RPP faces an uphill battle to remain relevant. Its emphasis on nationalism and cultural preservation resonates with a section of the population, but its monarchist legacy continues to alienate many voters. The party’s future hinges on its ability to reinvent itself as a modern conservative force. By addressing internal divisions, embracing younger leadership, and articulating a clear vision for Nepal’s future, the RPP has the potential to carve out a niche in the country’s multiparty system.

Here’s what you need to know about the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) in election politics:

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has seen a rollercoaster ride in its electoral performance since its inception, marked by fluctuating fortunes and internal divisions. Driven by a relentless focus on power and governance, the party has often found itself at odds with its own ideals, leading to moments of splintering and internal strife. This pursuit of influence has, at times, weakened its position, yet the RPP continues to be a fixture in Nepal’s volatile political landscape, shifting with the tides of the nation’s ever-evolving democracy.

In the 2022 Nepalese general election, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) demonstrated a noteworthy resurgence, securing 588,849 votes, which constituted 5.58% of the national vote under the proportional representation system. This electoral performance translated into 7 proportional representation seats, while the party also captured an additional 7 seats through the first-past-the-post system. Altogether, the RPP won 14 seats in the House of Representatives, solidifying its status as the fifth-largest political party in the chamber. This result highlights the party’s enduring influence and its ability to navigate Nepal’s dynamic political landscape.

In the 2022 Nepali general election, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) secured a total of 588,849 votes, which accounted for 5.58% of the national vote under the proportional representation system. This performance earned the party 7 proportional representation seats. Combined with the 7 seats won under the first-past-the-post system, the RPP achieved a total of 14 seats in the House of Representatives, affirming its status as the fifth-largest political party in the chamber.

In provincial elections, the RPP’s performance varied across Nepal’s seven provinces. The party achieved its strongest results in Bagmati Province, where it secured 14.23% of the vote share, translating to 11 seats. In Koshi Province, the party captured 10.45% of the vote share and won 5 seats. In Lumbini Province, it garnered 6.75% of the votes and won 4 seats. Meanwhile, in Gandaki Province, the RPP received 6.03% of the vote share, securing 2 seats. The party also managed to win 1 seat each in Madhesh Province (3.12% vote share) and Sudurpashchim Province (4.93% vote share). However, the RPP failed to secure any seats in Karnali Province, where it achieved a 4.36% vote share.

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has experienced varied electoral performances across Nepal’s general and provincial elections since its inception. In the 1991 general elections, the party contested with factions led by Surya Bahadur Thapa and Lokendra Bahadur Chand. Thapa’s faction secured 392,499 votes, accounting for 5.38% of the total vote share, while Chand’s faction garnered 478,604 votes, representing 6.56%. Despite its efforts, the party achieved limited representation and remained in the opposition. The 1994 general elections marked a significant improvement for the RPP, with the party receiving 1,367,148 votes, amounting to 17.93% of the total. This strong performance resulted in 19 parliamentary seats, making the RPP the third-largest party in the House of Representatives.

In the 1999 general elections, the party’s vote share decreased as Surya Bahadur Thapa’s faction received 899,511 votes (10.44%) and Lokendra Bahadur Chand’s faction obtained 293,952 votes (3.41%). This decline led to a reduction in parliamentary seats, and the party returned to the opposition. During the 2008 Constituent Assembly elections, the RPP faced challenges in adapting to Nepal’s shift to a republic. It received 310,214 votes (3.01%) and won 3 seats. The 2013 Constituent Assembly elections saw the RPP secure 238,313 votes (2.63%) and gain 5 seats, a modest representation but indicative of its continued political relevance.

In the 2017 general elections, the RPP, under Kamal Thapa’s leadership, garnered 196,782 votes, representing 2.06% of the total. Despite this, the party managed to secure 12 seats, with representatives standing as independents due to not meeting the 3% threshold for proportional representation. By the 2022 general elections, the RPP demonstrated a resurgence under Rajendra Prasad Lingden’s leadership, securing 588,849 votes, which accounted for 5.58% of the national vote share. This performance translated into 13 seats in the House of Representatives, with 7 from proportional representation and 6 from first-past-the-post voting.

The RPP’s provincial election performances have also varied across Nepal’s seven provinces. In the 2017 provincial elections, the party struggled in most regions, including Koshi Province, where it secured 57,342 votes (3.30%) but won no seats. Similarly, it failed to gain seats in Madhesh Province, with only 17,039 votes (1.11%). In Bagmati Province, the RPP garnered 93,241 votes (4.80%) and won 2 seats, while in Gandaki Province, it achieved 29,873 votes (2.31%) and 1 seat. However, the party did not secure any seats in Lumbini, Karnali, or Sudurpashchim provinces, with vote shares of 2.01%, 0.83%, and 1.21%, respectively.

Chronology of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP): Key Events and Milestones
• 29 May 1990: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) was founded by leaders of the Panchayat regime after the political transition to a multi-party democracy.
• May 1991: The party split into two factions with the same name, ideology, and statute but different flags and election symbols. One faction was led by Surya Bahadur Thapa, and the other by Lokendra Bahadur Chand. Both factions contested the 1991 elections.
• 8 February 1992: The two factions agreed to merge into a single Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
• 11–16 June 1992: The party held its first general convention in Kathmandu and unanimously elected Surya Bahadur Thapa as its chairman.
• 1992–1994: The party emerged as a third force in the 1992 local elections and the 1994 general elections. In the 1994 general elections, the party received 18% of the votes and won 20 seats in the House of Representatives.
• March 1997: A faction of the party led by Lokendra Bahadur Chand joined a coalition government with the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML), with Chand serving as Prime Minister.
• 3 October 1997: The faction led by Surya Bahadur Thapa supported a no-confidence motion tabled by the Nepali Congress, toppling the government.
• 6 October 1997: Surya Bahadur Thapa became Prime Minister with the support of the Nepali Congress.
• 12–16 November 1997: The party held its second general convention in Birgunj. Surya Bahadur Thapa was re-elected as Chairman. Prakash Chandra Lohani, Pashupati SJB Rana, and Kamal Thapa were nominated as Vice-Chairmen.
• 9 January 1998: Lokendra Bahadur Chand broke away from the party, forming his own Rastriya Prajatantra Party with 10 parliament members. He accused Thapa of mismanagement and not conducting fair elections within the party.
• 10 April 1998: Surya Bahadur Thapa resigned as Prime Minister and was replaced by Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala.
• 1999: Both factions of the RPP contested the general elections separately. Thapa’s faction won 11 seats, while Chand’s faction failed to win any.
• 31 December 1999: The two factions reunited under the original party name. However, a group led by Rajeshwar Devkota refused to rejoin and formed the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nationalist).
• 11 October 2002: Lokendra Bahadur Chand was appointed Prime Minister by King Gyanendra.
• 31 May 2003: Chand resigned as Prime Minister amid protests for the restoration of parliament and was replaced by Surya Bahadur Thapa on 5 June 2003.
• 12–14 December 2002: The party held its third general convention in Pokhara. Surya Bahadur Thapa completed his second term as Chairman. Pashupati SJB Rana was elected as the new Chairman.
• 4 November 2004: Surya Bahadur Thapa announced his departure from the RPP to form a new center-right party.
• 13 March 2005: Thapa officially launched the Rastriya Janashakti Party.
• 10 January 2006: Kamal Thapa and his supporters in the Central Committee replaced Pashupati SJB Rana as Chairman.
• 28 October 2006: Kamal Thapa formed the royalist Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal after splitting from the RPP.
• 9–11 December 2007: The party held its fourth general convention and re-elected Pashupati SJB Rana as Chairman.
• 17–19 May 2013: During the fifth general convention, the Rastriya Janashakti Party merged back into the RPP, and Surya Bahadur Thapa was elected Chairman of the unified party.
• 21 November 2016: The RPP unified with the Kamal Thapa-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, retaining the RPP name. The new party became the fourth-largest in the parliament.
• 29 March 2017: Prakash Chandra Lohani split from the party over disagreements regarding joining the government and the party’s election symbol. He formed the Ekikrit Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Nationalist).
• 1–3 December 2021: The party conducted its general convention, electing Rajendra Prasad Lingden as Chairman. Following the convention, Kamal Thapa left the RPP and revived the Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal.
• 20 November 2022: In the general elections, the RPP secured 14 seats in the House of Representatives under Lingden’s leadership.