Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane is facing multiple charges, including joint fraud, organized crime, and money laundering, which have cast a shadow over his political future.
Rabi is facing serious charges in five districts: Kaski, Kathmandu, Rupandehi, Chitwan, and Birgunj. Although he has been released on bail, his legal battle is far from over.
The final outcome hinges on the court’s ruling, a process that could take several years. Lamichhane himself claims the charges primarily stem from his role as a shareholder and managing director of Galaxy 4K TV.
Rabi Lamichhane’s political future, ambitions, career, and reputation now rest in the hands of the judiciary. His position in the House of Representatives has been suspended following the filing of a money laundering case against him in the Kaski court.
From Conviction to Acquittal: The Possible Verdicts of Rabi’s Court Cases. What Could Court Verdicts Mean for Rabi?
Rabi is entangled in multiple court cases. Judges have several options at their disposal, including convicting him on single charges, joint charges, or some charges, or clearing him of all charges.
Given the complexity of the cases, it is estimated that it will take weeks to years to resolve these cases through the Supreme Court, High Courts, and District Courts.
Lamichhane’s case stands in contrast to that of Nepali Congress lawmaker Tek Bahadur Gurung. Gurung was convicted by the Special Court on corruption charges but appealed to the Supreme Court to lift his suspension even after being convicted.
Rabi Lamichhane faces ongoing legal battles even after concluding cases in four different district courts. Following the district court, he will face the High Court verdict, as the High Government Attorney Office in Pokhara filed a petition seeking to overturn the district court’s decision to release Lamichhane and others on bail. The petition argues that the lower court’s order was inappropriate and requests that those released on bail be placed in custody.
In initial response, the Pokhara High Court ordered a report detailing the reasons for the district court’s decision to release seven individuals, including Lamichhane, on bail. A bench led by Judge Raj Kumar Khatiwada issued the directive, which requires the reasoning report to be submitted. The High Court’s decision, including the complete process—whether to uphold or overturn the district court’s order—may take two weeks to a month.
If the High Court upholds the district court’s order, Lamichhane’s next step will be to file a writ in the Supreme Court to challenge his suspension from the House of Representatives.
The Supreme Court will ultimately determine whether his suspension is legal. Should the court rule that his suspension is illegal, Lamichhane will swiftly regain his seat in Parliament. Such a decision would bolster his position and amplify the perception among his supporters that the state has been biased against him.
The extent to which the government can provide concrete evidence of his involvement in organized crime in the future will be decisive in determining the outcome of Rabi’s verdicts.
Lamichhane’s case stands in contrast to that of Nepali Congress lawmaker Tek Bahadur Gurung. Gurung was convicted by the Special Court on corruption charges but appealed to the Supreme Court to lift his suspension even after being convicted.
A division bench of justices Manoj Kumar Sharma and Binod Sharma quashed Gurung’s suspension, allowing him to resume parliamentary duties more than two years after his election from Manang in November 2022.
In the main legal cases in the district courts, the judges could find him guilty on all charges or specific cases like cooperative fraud, acquit him of related charges including organized crime and money laundering. Alternatively, the Supreme Court could set a new legal precedent, further influencing the cases.
The primary charge against Rabi is organized cooperative fraud, which also involves vague and broad issues. The court could narrow down responsibility, potentially convicting the cooperative chairman and loan committee members, or it could extend charges to all individuals involved, including loan takers.
However, the court will face significant pressure in handling the cases due to the large number of individuals who took loans. If the court issues a general verdict, it could overwhelm Nepal’s jail system, making it unmanageable.
Therefore, the court is likely to convict only the top responsible individuals and those with direct involvement, while others might either be cleared of charges or face financial penalties proportional to their responsibility in the case.
Initially, the court will order all evidence against Lamichhane related to organized crime, providing greater specificity about his clear role, planning, evidence, and his communication with the cooperative loan committee and other individuals involved in defrauding the cooperative.
This includes his role in taking money, his connections, communication, and other critical evidence that will play a crucial role in the case moving forward.
In organized crime cases in Nepal, the government often struggles to present specific evidence during court hearings, failing to demonstrate individual involvement in crime planning or to present charges in a clear, structured manner.
Another potential verdict may evaluate the cost of the money after its arrival and determine its impact based on the percentage of shares held by Gorkha Media’s shareholders. The court could also absolve Lamichhane of responsibility or establish that his role was secondary, focusing instead on the accountability of cooperative members only.
The extent to which the government can provide concrete evidence of his involvement in organized crime in the future will be decisive in determining the outcome of Rabi’s verdicts.
As the primary individual involved in the first-degree offense, GB Rai, the chairman of the cooperative, is the main person who received the funds that were subsequently diverted into Gorkha Media.
The judges may choose to separate the various degrees of the crime and categorize individuals accordingly. The higher the degree of involvement, the lesser the level of the crime.
The court could convict the chairman of the cooperative board and the loan committee, while individuals with lesser involvement, linked only to taking the loans, might be treated differently.
The court may categorize offenses by their degree of severity and assign appropriate levels of guilt to each individual. Only those directly linked to the crime could be convicted.
Rabi is facing serious crime charges of money laundering and organized crime. A conviction on these charges would disqualify him from participating in direct politics in the future.
Additionally, Rabi is challenging Attorney General Dinmani Pokharel’s decision not to prosecute him for holding dual Nepali and American passports in a case before the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court’s ruling on this matter will have a significant impact on his political future.
The Joint Parliamentary Investigation Committee, investigating the financial crisis affecting the cooperatives, revealed in their report that the Rs 650 million injected into Gorkha Media came entirely from cooperatives.
The committee recommended that the government take legal action against all those involved in transferring money to Gorkha Media from various cooperatives, including Suryadarshan from Pokhara, Supreme from Butwal, Swarnalaxmi from Kathmandu, Sahara Chitwan from Chitwan, and Sanopaila from Birgunj.
The court’s decisions will carry significant legal and political ramifications for Rabi Lamichhane’s political trajectory. District courts will have a range of options to rule in these cases, each of which could have profound implications for the political future of Rabi Lamichhane.
Among the possibilities, the court might decide to recognize the individual who brought the money to Gorkha Media as a key responsible party, altering the case dynamics.
In this scenario, Rabi’s RSP could become a key player in the dynamics required to form a majority government. Given Nepal’s self-centered political leadership, any deal can be made or broken at a moment’s notice.
Courts could convict the chairman of selective cooperatives and members of the loan committee, assigning direct responsibility to those involved in the financial decisions.
Another potential verdict may evaluate the cost of the money after its arrival and determine its impact based on the percentage of shares held by Gorkha Media’s shareholders. The court could also absolve Lamichhane of responsibility or establish that his role was secondary, focusing instead on the accountability of cooperative members only.
The Supreme Court may also set a new judicial precedent regarding cooperative fraud, considering its widespread nature throughout the nation.
In such cases, the court might prioritize securing the depositors’ money and could adopt a new settlement ruling strategy. If the funds are returned to the depositors, individuals who were not directly involved in major criminal activity might avoid conviction.
Court verdicts will play a critical role in shaping Rabi’s political fate. Depending on the final verdict, Rabi could emerge as a powerful political player or face severe consequences.
The possible outcomes include being convicted on all charges, being cleared of all charges, being partially convicted, facing substantial monetary fines, being required to restitute embezzled funds to depositors as part of his responsibility, or serving prison time along with other convicted individuals.
What if the Political Equation Changes in Nepal in Rabi’s Case?
In Nepal, political ideologies or agendas mostly take a backseat to power-sharing arrangements, with alliances frequently formed on an ad hoc basis rather than rooted in shared principles.
The dynamics are heavily influenced by ego clashes among senior leaders, geopolitical factors, internal dynamics of the parties, and differences on key issues within the ruling coalition, rendering the much-discussed organizational solidarity an elusive ideal.
Nepali leaders tend to be self-centered, and as a result, coalition shifts can occur quickly if any party feels it is losing out. Nepal exhibits many characteristics of bad governance, with political instability and a tendency to avoid long-term commitments or waiting for agreements to fully materialize.
He has no great knowledge of political philosophy or planning. Whether a person succeeds or fails in one period of life is not important. Past success or failure says nothing about future success or failure. But a man’s character, the life he lived yesterday and is living today, says a lot about tomorrow.
If the coalition government between the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress collapses, a new alliance will likely emerge with RSP support only.
In this scenario, Rabi’s RSP could become a key player in the dynamics required to form a majority government. Given Nepal’s self-centered political leadership, any deal can be made or broken at a moment’s notice.
Rabi could either be absolved of charges or make a dramatic decision to withdraw the case, with the government potentially intervening to have the case returned from the district court.
Rabi’s party numbers will be a game-changer for both the leading government parties, whether Congress or UML. In such a scenario, significant political bargaining and deals are likely to occur, which could result in his case being withdrawn.
Rabi may gain the upper hand in shifting the political landscape and securing a resolution to his legal battles.
Deep Insight into Rabi Lamichhane’s Life and Career Track Records
Rabi Lamichhane became a household name through his popular TV show Janata Sanga Sidha Kura (Straight Talk to the People). He rose to fame after attempting to set a Guinness World Record for hosting the longest-ever marathon television talk show in April 2013.
Over time, Lamichhane’s role evolved from a combative TV program host/journalist to a successful politician and, eventually, a troubled figure embroiled in a series of legal battles and cases unlike any faced by Nepali leaders.
Within just six months of founding his party, RSP, under his leadership, Lamichhane made a meteoric rise in his political career, being appointed twice as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. Here’s a deep dive into Rabi Lamichhane: Who is he? How do people perceive him? And how did he succeed in establishing a new political party where many leaders have failed?
Common people frustrated with the current system have idolized Rabi Lamichhane as a good Samaritan. People are equally frustrated with corruption in the country. Therefore, they favor Lamichhane.
However, his opponents are jealous and disappointed by Rabi’s success and are trying to criminalize him. The inner part of Lamichhane’s life is mysterious and controversial.
Rabi, who became popular and a center of hope by giving news coverage of foreign employment fraudsters, also took advantage of the fragile political situation, instability, and mass frustration in Nepal.
From the beginning, his focus was more on audio and video than on news writing. He was also in good company with Nabin K. Bhattarai, a popular singer of that time. But he was not interested in studies; instead, he was interested in stage shows and such.
Lamichhane’s life is not smooth and is not a bed of roses either. He has experienced several ups and downs. His character and faith in his personal life, professional life, and stories from home and abroad seem weaker than his political wisdom.
He has no great knowledge of political philosophy or planning. Whether a person succeeds or fails in one period of life is not important. Past success or failure says nothing about future success or failure. But a man’s character, the life he lived yesterday and is living today, says a lot about tomorrow.
Born on 11 June 1975 in Mandandeupur of Kavre district, Rabi is the youngest of five brothers and sisters. His father was the village Vice President during the Panchayat regime. They also owned a house in Mahankal, Kathmandu.
Rabi studied in a boarding school since his family had a smooth financial situation. After studying at Araniko Boarding School in Bhotebhal for a few years, he later went to Bhrikuti Secondary School. Since his school days, he had a great passion for speaking on the radio. At that time, his elder brother Harisharan Lamichhane was working at Radio Nepal.
Hearing his brother’s voice on Radio Nepal, Rabi too wanted to try his luck in radio. He said he used to recite poems at Basudev Munal’s children’s program on the radio.
Rabi was a student with an on-the-move attitude and temper and always wanted to be in the limelight. He even used to show his leadership skills in front of two or three people.
While studying at Bhrikuti Secondary School, he did not take his SLC from that school. He enrolled at Bijaya Smarak School in Dillibazar and passed the SLC from there.
After SLC, he enrolled in Ratna Rajya (RR Campus) Laxmi Campus to study Journalism. He got married in 1995 while still studying. He married Isha Shrestha from Kathmandu, with whom he had been in an affair since school.
Rabi was only 18 years old when he got married. Shortly after the marriage, he left home and started living in a rented house. Those who studied with him at that time say that Rabi did not have a very smooth relationship with his family.
While studying, he started speaking on the radio, working as an assistant director on television, and announcing/MCing in programs. Public programs had been Rabi’s interest since he was a child.
At that time, there were very few mass media outlets, so Rabi could not get a chance in all the media. Singer Ram Krishna Dhakal and others arranged for him to host a program on Radio Nepal and Nepal Television.
He also used to write poems and engage in other extra activities. Around 1993, he was often seen at the premises of Radio Nepal and Nepal Television in Singha Durbar, meeting different people and writing songs. He also worked as an assistant to a director at Nepal Television.
He was very ambitious and always looking for opportunities in different areas. He was hardworking, energetic, and committed to doing what he said he would.
He was adept at telling others what to do to get his work done. Rabi, who was also engaged in stage programs and commercials, started his career at Nepal Television. He ran a program called “Yahan Ko Chalan” on Nepal Television.
He started doing out-of-the-box programs, such as hosting a program in the middle of Fewa Lake, and when he attempted to hold a world record, the administration ordered him to stop his program.
However, he was more successful than others at a very young age, and his program was stopped, especially due to jealousy from others after he went on a tour of Japan and the UK with Ram Krishna Dhakal, who was very close to him and one of the most famous singers in Nepal at that time.
At that time, Rabi used to run a comedy program called “Yahan Ko Chalan.” Conversations with film actors and satires on social issues were included in the program. He was also interested in various programs, including children’s programs. For some time, he also hosted a program called “No Horn Please” on Image FM.
Some Nepalis there also say that Rabi is helpful and that he is also interested in various social and cultural programs. However, some of the Nepalis who were associated with Rabi in Baltimore do not want to identify him as a good person with integrity, possibly because of his growing name and fame in Nepal.
In the program that was broadcast in the morning, the audience discussed current affairs by reading the news in newspapers. Now that program has been named “Subha Din.”
From the beginning, his focus was more on audio and video than on news writing. He was also in good company with Nabin K. Bhattarai, a popular singer of that time. But he was not interested in studies; instead, he was interested in stage shows and such.
Rabi, who used to host programs on radio and television, also announced formal programs and could speak fluently, earning a lot of attention even then, after working for seven to eight years.
He has said in an interview with a newspaper that he was branding himself, with a slight exaggeration—fans used to send letters to him at home. “I was a celebrity by then. I went to Japan and the UK for the program,” said Rabi.
In 2002, he visited the United States. Rabi said, “I had a dispute on television; that’s when I went to America.” Rabi, who reached New York, stayed at a friend’s house. Initially, he went to America hoping to study journalism.
He tried to change his visit visa status to a student visa, but it was not possible. Later, he got a residency permit with the help of Prem Raja Mahat, a popular Nepali folk singer.
The second time he went to America, he went to Baltimore. Folk singer Prem Raja Mahat and other artists also lived in Baltimore at that time.
He used to do social work by inviting artists from Nepal to organize programs, helping Nepalis who were in trouble, letting them stay. Rabi also came in contact with him. Rabi applied for a green card after arriving in Baltimore.
He applied for the EB (1) visa, not for the green card that ordinary people apply for. The US gives this type of green card to foreign citizens who are talented in the fields of science, art, education, business, sports, etc.
In 2008, after a five-year wait, Rabi got a US green card. He also started running programs on White Himal Television, which was opened in 2011. Although Rabi was spending his life, his private life was becoming a crisis as public discussions heated up in a circle due to social media.
In 2008, Rabi took his wife and two daughters to America. Rabi’s behavior did not improve. He got involved with another foreign woman. A son was born to them.
The relationship with his wife and family began to show some disturbances. Rabi started working for an Indian-origin businessman’s shop in Baltimore after getting the card. An Indian named Kamal Sandhu ran a Subway-brand fast food restaurant in Baltimore that sold sandwiches.
Rabi started working as a worker in Sandhu’s shop, and his responsibilities increased. He worked very hard. He also opened branches. Later, he was the manager of 5-7 of Sandhu’s shops in one area.
When he was a manager at Sandhu’s shop, Rabi used to hire many students who had just arrived in the US. That was a great relief to them for survival jobs at that time. Many Nepalis in Baltimore called him Rabi dai.
Seeing that Prime Minister Oli was ready to appear live on television four days a week with Rabi, who had no affiliation with the party, as a presenter, Oli is not a leader who listens to others after his decision. The contact and relationship between Oli and Rabi were not formed when they came to Nepal; it started when they were in America.
Some Nepalis there also say that Rabi is helpful and that he is also interested in various social and cultural programs. However, some of the Nepalis who were associated with Rabi in Baltimore do not want to identify him as a good person with integrity, possibly because of his growing name and fame in Nepal.
After doing well there, Rabi opened a Subway store in Baltimore. He bought a house and a car on installments. Along with working at a Subway shop, he also worked as an announcer in various programs held by the Nepali community. He also participated in the programs of artists from Nepal.
At that time, the Maoist conflict was ongoing in Nepal. There were seven parties in the movement. Rabi says of himself that, “After I was born, my father became the Vice Pradhan Pancha (Deputy Chairman of a Village), but I was not a believer in any political theory from my childhood. I just wanted to do something that would have some impact on society rather than politics.”
For the longest time, he had the idea of holding a record in the Guinness Book of Records by doing an interview on television. After coming to Nepal, Nepali media, intellectuals, opinion makers, or other influential people did not care much about him, but he had a good relationship with artists and others in his circle.
In 2011, two TV presenters from Ukraine set a record in the Guinness Book of Records by running a talk show for 52 hours in a row. Rabi planned to break that record and run the talk show for 62 hours. He talked to different people for that.
Rabi came to Nepal to fulfill his wish. Nirmalraj Paudel, Managing Director of Welcome Advertising and Marketing, forwarded Rabi’s proposal to Anil Joshi, the owner of News 24 Television. Joshi, who recently opened another channel after splitting from Sagarmatha Television, also wanted the limelight for this television.
After he proposed to write a program to put his name in the Guinness Book on the theme that “Buddha was Born in Nepal,” they agreed, and an agreement was also made to go to the US and run the program with Rabi. In April 2013, Rabi started the program on News 24 and made a record of running a program continuously for 62 hours and 12 minutes.
The news that he broke the previous record in the Guinness Book and set a new record came in various international media such as BBC and Reuters. Rabi expected that the Nepali media would also publish it with priority and interview him. But no one cared about him at that time. He had a very bitter experience with Nepali media since then.
Even though there was not as much coverage as Rabi had expected in Nepali mainstream media, the fact that he had set a record in the Guinness Book became a topic of discussion in the Nepali community in Nepal and America. He even hired many friends to promote it.
The environment for Rabi to start his second innings in Nepali television was different. Even when he returned to Nepal as an American citizen and journalist, Rabi did not show a minimum of honesty. He stayed in Nepal on a family visa and did not say that he was an American citizen.
He sent a proposal to the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, saying that he wanted to make a program on TV, “Sidha Kura Pradhanmantri Sanga,” but Koirala did not respond to it. However, Rabi kept telling his ideas to his secretary time and again. Rabi was not a man to give up; he wanted to take it forward when K.P. Sharma Oli became the Prime Minister.
After the promulgation of the 2015 constitution, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli became the prime minister. Rabi met Oli at his residence in Balkot and narrated the idea of his program. Oli agreed to his idea even before the Prime Minister.
After the promulgation of the constitution, Oli became the prime minister for the first time. Rabi went directly to Baluwatar with a proposal to hold a program with the Prime Minister.
In the program aired on News 24, he stood at the beginning and spoke fluently on any subject. He used to abuse the leaders and present aggressively on contemporary issues, such as being cheated in foreign employment and asking for bribes while taking public services.
Oli said yes, do it. Sherdhan Rai was the Minister of Communications at that time. He proposed to appear live on Prime Minister Television four days a week. The Prime Minister accepted that with conviction. As Oli is also a person who wants to be in the limelight, the interests of both of them aligned.
Seeing that Prime Minister Oli was ready to appear live on television four days a week with Rabi, who had no affiliation with the party, as a presenter, Oli is not a leader who listens to others after his decision. The contact and relationship between Oli and Rabi were not formed when they came to Nepal; it started when they were in America.
In 2012, when Oli went to America, Rabi had taken Oli’s interview on White Himal Television, run by Nepali in America. Rabi’s acquaintance with Oli was made during that time. On 11th Baisakh 2073 BS, the first series of the program “Sidha Kura Pradhanmantri Sanga” was broadcast with Oli’s instruction.
Nirmalraj Paudel’s Welcome Advertising was looking for a sponsor for the program, while Nepal Television provided all the technical equipment for free at Oli’s request, starting from the making of the studio set.
At that time, he managed to get the prime minister live on television every week, but he had no experience in political programming.
The program is an event in the television and political history of Nepal, where a presenter with American citizenship and a passport was asking questions to the Prime Minister of Nepal on state television.
Chairman of the Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, who became the Prime Minister on 4 August 2016, did not trust Rabi as Oli did.
He immediately removed him from the role of television presenter and appointed a new one. Prachanda also changed the look of the studio. Babin Sharma, a journalist close to the Maoists, became the new presenter of the program.
After the program was broadcast with the new host for some time, it was closed by Nepal Television. Even though the program was taken away from him, Rabi’s talk had earned some fame in Nepal.
The popularity earned on Nepal Television and the discussion after the stop became a milestone. He started a new program, ‘Janta Sanga Sidha Kura’ (Straight Talk to the People) on News 24 television.
He started working as a presenter on News 24 television, hiding the fact that he had become an American citizen, which caused some controversy.
When Rabi started raising issues such as foreign employment fraud in his program, the program became extremely popular.
He brought changes to the way topics were presented in the Nepali media. He also worked to make it visible to the victims. His straightforward talk with the public was becoming the most popular program on TV, but the discipline and limits of journalism had no meaning for him. After the program on Nepal Television stopped, Rabi started “Sidha Kura Janta Sanga” on News 24 television.
The Ministry of Labor said that they sent a letter to the Press Council saying that Rabi did not have a labor permit. Rabi’s supporters came to his defense after the Press Council began investigating him. Rabi also alleged that he was being troubled because of personal enmity with Acting Chairman Shrestha rather than due to the Press Council.
In the program aired on News 24, he stood at the beginning and spoke fluently on any subject. He used to abuse the leaders and present aggressively on contemporary issues, such as being cheated in foreign employment and asking for bribes while taking public services.
He used to talk live with the audience. They also used to do sting operations in some offices. He was unconcerned about the dignity and ethics of journalism. But when other media started raising issues that were not the subject, he emerged as an icon of common people at the lower level.
Rabi became a center of faith for laymen who had not received justice due to corruption. His style and aggressive presentation of insulting leaders increased his popularity among the general public, especially in the youth demographic and migrant worker circles.
At that time, he was an American citizen but severely criticized Nepali leaders on national-level television. After many complaints were received in the Press Council that he had bargained, blackmailed, and threatened, instead of assisting in the investigation process, he did not cooperate with the state agencies.
His dispute with the then Chairman of the Press Council, Kishor Shrestha, erupted after Shrestha sent a letter of correspondence to all government agencies to identify his citizenship status.
In 2075 BS, the Press Council started investigating the complaint against him. The then Acting Chairman of the Press Council, Kishor Shrestha, says that although a complaint had already been filed against Rabi in the council, no one had investigated it, but he said that he had initiated an investigation into the complaint.
At that time, Rabi had two questions. First, whether he had taken the permission issued by the Department of Information and Broadcasting to do journalism in Nepal.
Second, any foreign national must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor to work in Nepal. Had Rabi taken it or not? In response to the first question, News 24 Television informed that he was not a journalist, but only a senior program coordinator and senior presenter. Rabi himself also sent a reply to the Press Council saying that he was not a journalist.
News 24 gave a round answer to the second question. Rabi had not obtained the work permit required by Nepal’s law. In the reply sent to the Press Council, Rabi mentioned that the application submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs to renew the working agreement was in the process of decision, and the officials of the Home Office had verbally told him that there was no problem to work.
Galaxy 4K Television, which was also invested by Rabi, was established in 2078 BS. Many questions arose about where Rabi got the money to invest in television within a few years after leaving all the things he had done in America.
The Ministry of Labor said that they sent a letter to the Press Council saying that Rabi did not have a labor permit. Rabi’s supporters came to his defense after the Press Council began investigating him. Rabi also alleged that he was being troubled because of personal enmity with Acting Chairman Shrestha rather than due to the Press Council.
In his written reply to the Press Council, Rabi made some accusations aimed at Acting Chairman Shrestha and mentioned that he felt proud to be able to give up this profession and shine shoes on the road instead of getting a press pass. Shrestha blamed Rabi’s relationship with the then Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as the reason behind Rabi’s challenge to the council.
The then Prime Minister Oli did not like the Chairman Shrestha at all. Public support and political connections were in Rabi’s favor, but legally he was wrong. On the other hand, he retained his Nepali citizenship and took foreign citizenship, which made him uncomfortable.
To get rid of this controversy, he finally decided to renounce his American citizenship. He declared this on his popular television program.
He publicly stated that he submitted his passport to the US Embassy in Kathmandu on 4th June 2075. After he gave up his US citizenship, the controversy continued.
Rabi, who had left his wife and daughters in the US, divorced his wife Isha in January 2019 on the condition that he would give all his property in America and pay for the expenses of his daughters.
On 21 January 2019, he married Nikita Paudel, the former chairperson of the Film Development Board and promoter of Nari Television.
In Asar 2076, Rabi got into controversy again. A video recorded by Shalikram Pudasaini, his former colleague from Siddha Kura Janata Sanga, before committing suicide in a hotel in Chitwan, was released. In the said video, Pudasaini alleged that Rabi had forced her to commit suicide. Police arrested him from the office of News 24 in Asar 2076 BS to investigate the matter.
After spending 118 days in prison, the court ordered his release on a bail of five lakhs. After that, Rabi emerged as a major figure in Nepal.
That day in Chitwan, after seeing the reception and the rally that people held, he thought that he should join politics and started doing continuous surveys and other work.
After being freed from custody, Rabi again started talking directly to the people. He used to get into controversies from time to time and also explained himself through the same program. His popularity and fame started to increase. Meanwhile, he announced that he would run a program called “The Leader.” The program was announced in 2076 BS.
The winner of The Leader was said to be awarded an apartment in Kathmandu, a car, and a cash prize of 2 million rupees. Baburam Bhattarai, Sushila Karki, Rabindra Mishra, Pradeep Giri, and Pradeep Nepal were the judges in the program conducted by Rabi. It was Rabi’s intention to set his career journey from there.
He said that he would run the program for two seasons and do politics that would include the best, but the coronavirus became an obstacle to his dream.
Auditions could not take place due to restrictions imposed to prevent the coronavirus. Rabi, who understood that there would be a limit on other TVs or that the media in Nepal would run entirely according to the wishes of the investors, started preparing for another TV.
In fact, Rabi’s desire was to have his own media company and to understand the needs of the people, along with the expansion of the network across the country. In Mangsir 2077 BS, Rabi left his job at News 24.
The long-lost Nepali public is not satisfied with the government’s behavior. The dissatisfaction they showed in local elections in Kathmandu and Dharan on a small scale has emerged as a force through Rabi’s RSP and ballot rebellion.
Galaxy 4K Television, which was also invested by Rabi, was established in 2078 BS. Many questions arose about where Rabi got the money to invest in television within a few years after leaving all the things he had done in America.
It is only natural that Galaxy 4K would give him some shares of the brand’s base, but giving him the entire management and behind-the-scenes control even after his departure raised many doubts.
Rabi also established a foundation in his own name. That foundation has been doing various social works, from providing relief to flood victims.
His foundation has built a hospital in Raskot in Kalikot district. The 15-bed hospital built by Rabi Lamichhane Foundation is run by Raskot municipality.
There are two MBBS doctors. It has also worked for victims of foreign fraud from marginalized Musahar slums. Energy is Rabi’s greatest asset. He seems active and dynamic even in difficult situations. Because he used that energy to become a full-time politician, he achieved unexpected success.
The slogan of Rabi’s party is to choose those who know. Rabi’s focus is not on making the team. People believe that there is some other power center or team behind the scenes because they do not see people who have done any significant work or made their place in society. There were also a large number of people watching to see whether Rabi would do anything in politics.
His party achieved surprising success by the time of voting. As his party’s campaigning began, there was a wave of people alienated from the traditional parties.
They didn’t know much about him, nor did the public find out about Rabi’s political strategy. The public, who knew about the public program, saw Rabi as a hero who could defeat corruption, the current corrupt bureaucracy, the police, and foreign employment fraudsters.
Well, he used to separate milk and water, justice and injustice, on the television screen, making unlimited accusations and even becoming a judge himself, which was highly preferred by the Nepali public while Rabi was a star. He gained a lot of trust by bringing small issues of the public, not politics, to the television screen.
When Balen was elected mayor of Kathmandu and Harka Sampang in Dharan with a huge margin, Rabi felt that he should not wait any longer; people’s frustration could explode not only in Kathmandu and Dharan but all over the country. He went to register the party as soon as he could win some seats in the secret preliminary survey conducted by him through Galaxy 4K, but it was impossible to say whether it would become a national party.
Rabi is adept at cashing in on the sentiments of a new generation frustrated with government indolence, misery, and corruption, making him one of the most liked characters on social media. A significant number of people want to see him and listen to him, and they hope that he will do something.
During the election campaign, Rabi raised very small issues related to people’s livelihoods, showing hope to the frustrated public. He also mixed nationalist sentiments.
While other traditional big parties make big agendas and issues, Rabi is engaged in small but several programs of public interest. The factors behind Rabi’s rise may be many, but one obvious reason is public frustration with the slowness, corruption, lack of prostitution services, and poor government delivery within the current government machinery.
The Rabi case had not been covered by the mainstream national media despite significant public interest and widespread frustration on social media platforms, while a folk song calling for his release trended on YouTube.
The long-lost Nepali public is not satisfied with the government’s behavior. The dissatisfaction they showed in local elections in Kathmandu and Dharan on a small scale has emerged as a force through Rabi’s RSP and ballot rebellion.
Sidha Kura Janata Sanga Makes Lamichhane Into a Hero: How He Capitalized on Public Sentiment and His Growing Popularity from His TV Show
Rabi Lamichhane’s Sidha Kura Janata Sanga (Straight Talk with the People) capitalized on the public’s yearning for integrity and his growing popularity.
His unapologetically nationalist, straightforward show blended editorial monologues with reporting and follow-up advocacy for victims of fraud and crime, often stepping in where the justice system and civil society had failed.
Rabi became the last hope for many lower-class people, with victims flocking to his office, which was often busier than top government offices, driven by the rising public faith in his ability to address their issues.
As his show gained more attention, it also attracted a large, loyal audience across social media platforms. Sidha Kura videos regularly received hundreds of thousands, sometimes even millions, of views on all social media platforms.
His TV show garnered more viewers in both direct and social media than any other major Nepali media or television. Nearly all of the most popular YouTube news-related programs were episodes of Sidha Kura.
In the midst of his growing popularity, Rabi Lamichhane suddenly faced a serious controversy, accused of being involved in a suicide abetment case. Shalikram Pudasaini, a former journalist from his program team, was found hanging in the Kangaroo Hotel at Narayangadh Bus Park in Chitwan on August 7, 2019.
In an 8-minute and a 3-minute media-leaked video recorded on his mobile phone before his death, a visibly distraught Pudasaini explicitly accused Lamichhane and two others of instigating him to take his own life. Previously, Pudasaini had worked with Lamichhane at News24 Television before joining Mountain Television two months prior to his suicide.
On August 15, 2019, police arrested Rabi Lamichhane from his News24 office in connection with the case. The arrest triggered widespread protests, with thousands of young supporters taking to the streets in Chitwan. Protestors viewed Lamichhane’s arrest as an attack on his fearless journalism and retaliation for exposing corruption in the state.
Rabi Lamichhane shocked the media landscape by resigning from Galaxy TV on June 16, 2022. TV Chairperson G.B. Rai officially bid him farewell with ceremonial scarves at the office, along with all the staff. Lamichhane publicly announced on his program that he was returning his share to G.B. Rai.
After spending 11 days in judicial custody, Lamichhane was released on bail on August 26, 2019. The Chitwan District Court set his bail at Rs. 500,000. His release was met with massive celebrations, as a jubilant crowd gathered to greet him. Lamichhane addressed his supporters in Chitwan, emphasizing his resolve.
The Rabi case had not been covered by the mainstream national media despite significant public interest and widespread frustration on social media platforms, while a folk song calling for his release trended on YouTube.
The case marked the first major instance of Lamichhane demonstrating the immense strength of his public support. Lamichhane resumed his television program on August 31, 2019, although he was prohibited from speaking publicly about the case. His television show grew in popularity day by day.
Lamichhane’s unconventional, energetic, and impassioned style of journalism gained even more popularity in Nepal. Following months of legal proceedings, the Chitwan District Court cleared Lamichhane and the three others of all charges on January 19, 2020.
On January 20, 2021, Lamichhane announced his decision to leave News 24 Television, effective the following day. He wrote on his personal Facebook: “We are taking a break from this pleasant journey with News 24 Television, with the program airing tomorrow. At the same time, I would like to express my gratitude to Chairman Anil Joshi and Director Adish Joshi for their support and the opportunity. A special thanks to Nirmal Raj Poudel, Nita Poudel, and the entire Welcome Group for their trust and guidance.”
Galaxy TV’s Meteoric Rise, Sudden Fall, and the Lamichhane Controversy
On February 23, 2021, Rabi Lamichhane held a press conference to announce the launch of Nepal’s first 4K television channel, Galaxy 4K. He announced that Gorkha Media Company would operate Galaxy 4K.
Galaxy 4K commenced its transmission on October 1, 2021. Rabi Lamichhane, not only the company’s leader but also the face of its flagship program Sidha Kura, held 15 percent of the shares in Galaxy 4K Television and was a powerful managing director with full control over hiring, firing, financial management, and all operational aspects.
Galaxy 4K TV, the brainchild of Rabi Lamichhane, was formally inaugurated by then-Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba at a grand ceremony at the Hyatt Hotel, amidst a gathering of the country’s prominent figures. Rabi Lamichhane pledged to bring public issues to the forefront of national discourse.
In the initial phase, Galaxy revolutionized the whole industry by assembling a strong team, producing compelling programs, creating popular franchise shows, establishing notable branding figures, and employing cutting-edge technology. The formal inauguration of Galaxy 4K television generated significant excitement among viewers and shook up the competitive landscape of other existing television stations.
Galaxy TV aired premium content with unparalleled resolution quality that no Nepali channel had offered before. It hosted top programs such as Sidha Kura Janata Sanga, Ko Banchha Crorepati, Crime Patrol Nepal, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, Ramayana (dubbed in Nepali), Lal Mohar, Saregama Lil Champs, and The Leaders. Along with Rabi Lamichhane, these shows featured a lineup of celebrity hosts, including Rajesh Hamal, Deepak Raj Giri, Vijay Kumar Pandey, and others.
The by-election results revealed an even stronger popular mandate for Lamichhane than many had expected. In the November 2022 election, Lamichhane had already demonstrated considerable popularity, winning 49,300 votes to beat NC’s Umesh Shrestha by 34,312 votes.
Rabi Lamichhane shocked the media landscape by resigning from Galaxy TV on June 16, 2022. TV Chairperson G.B. Rai officially bid him farewell with ceremonial scarves at the office, along with all the staff. Lamichhane publicly announced on his program that he was returning his share to G.B. Rai.
Following Balen Shah’s victory in the Kathmandu metropolitan elections and the success of independent candidates across various parts of the country, Rabi Lamichhane became confident that his moment had arrived to lead a ballot rebellion against traditional political parties. Determined to offer an alternative, he established a new political party to gain power.
On June 21, 2022, Lamichhane announced the formation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The party was officially registered with the Election Commission on July 1, 2022.
In the November 20, 2022, general election, the newly-formed RSP surprised the nation with its unexpected electoral success. RSP emerged as the fourth-largest party in parliament, winning 20 out of 275 House of Representatives seats. RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane secured a landslide victory from Chitwan-2, earning the largest margin of votes among all candidates in the country.
The RSP’s electoral triumph reflects widespread public frustration with the traditional political forces, particularly the three major parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and CPN-Maoist Centre.
Despite the mandate not to join the government, Rabi Lamichhane served as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister. However, on January 27, 2023, the constitutional bench of the Supreme Court removed him from all public offices, including his roles as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, Party Chairman, Parliamentary Party Leader, and Member of Parliament.
The court ruled that Lamichhane had failed to follow due process by not obtaining new Nepali citizenship after renouncing his American citizenship in 2017.
The Supreme Court ruled that Rabi Lamichhane was ineligible to become a lawmaker due to not completing the process to reacquire his Nepali citizenship certificate, which had become invalid after he acquired U.S. citizenship. He re-acquired his Nepali citizenship following due process on January 29, 2023.
On February 5, 2023, after being stripped of his positions as Home Minister and Member of Parliament by the Supreme Court over irregularities in his citizenship, Lamichhane held a news conference and criticized the Nepali mainstream media and their owners. Following his accusations, the relationship between Lamichhane and the media not only soured but worsened.
By early 2024, Nepali media outlets began publishing explosive reports claiming Gorkha Media, G.B. Rai, and Lamichhane’s involvement in cooperative financial embezzlement.
On March 20, 2023, Attorney General Dinmani Pokharel decided not to file a case against Lamichhane for misuse of his passport. That decision kept Lamichhane’s political career alive and thriving again.
In the subsequent by-election in Chitwan on April 23, 2023, Lamichhane was re-elected to the House of Representatives from Chitwan-2 with a landslide victory.
He secured 54,176 votes, which amounted to two-thirds of the total, representing a massive margin of 42,962 votes. His nearest rival, Jit Narayan Shrestha of the Nepali Congress, secured 11,214 votes, while UML candidate Ram Prasad Neupane received 10,936 votes. A total of 78,634 votes were cast in the election, with 78,466 votes declared valid.
The by-election results revealed an even stronger popular mandate for Lamichhane than many had expected. In the November 2022 election, Lamichhane had already demonstrated considerable popularity, winning 49,300 votes to beat NC’s Umesh Shrestha by 34,312 votes.
Similarly, during Rabi Lamichhane’s intensive campaign near his constituency, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate Swarnim Wagle won the House of Representatives by-election in Tanahun-1, defeating a candidate from the Nepali Congress. This victory contributed to RSP’s increased popularity, raising its representation in the House of Representatives to 21 members.
As Rabi Lamichhane’s popularity soared in national politics and as an alternative party leader, his brainchild, Galaxy Television, struggled to stay afloat due to severe financial problems and cooperative scandals that raised questions about Lamichhane’s leadership during that time. Galaxy had initially captured the nation’s attention with its grand promises and ambitions during Rabi’s tenure.
However, after his departure, the station fell into limbo, marking its third anniversary amid financial turmoil. Since then, Galaxy Television has faced severe challenges, including an inability to retain key journalists.
Both the quality and quantity of its content deteriorated, as journalists left en masse after going months without salaries. The downfall was swift and harsh, compounded by allegations of financial mismanagement, cooperative fraud, and, eventually, a complete shutdown without settling dues for staff, journalists, homeowners, and other vendors.
The situation escalated when Gitendra Babu (GB) Rai went on the run after an investigation into the embezzling of cooperative funds. Rai is alleged to have diverted cooperative savings to fund Gorkha Media, which operated Galaxy TV, as well as other personal business ventures.
Another key figure and board director, Kumar Kumar Ramtel, was implicated in the Swarnalaxmi Cooperative fraud case and subsequently arrested. The District Court in Kaski sentenced Ramtel to jail for his role in the scandal.
The committee has called for Lamichhane and others to be held accountable for their involvement in the fraud. The parliamentary committee report emphasized that those in key roles—such as shareholders, promoters, and managing directors—cannot escape responsibility for the funds received by the company.
By early 2024, Nepali media outlets began publishing explosive reports claiming Gorkha Media, G.B. Rai, and Lamichhane’s involvement in cooperative financial embezzlement.
Lamichhane’s name and signature appeared on financial documents, raising further doubts. Lamichhane denied all the allegations, maintaining that his signature and name had been misused without his consent or only for Gorkha Media’s internal business.
Lamichhane’s Power Ambitions in His Second Term as Home Minister: Parliamentary Inquiry Makes Him Vulnerable – From Short-Term Gain to Cooperatives’ Pain
The controversy surrounding Lamichhane didn’t end but intensified after he returned to power for a second time. On March 6, 2024, Lamichhane resumed his powerful government role as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, amidst political tensions and obstruction from the opposition Nepali Congress party in Parliament.
In the political settlement just before the budget speech, major political parties decided to form a Joint Parliamentary Investigation Committee to look into the financial crisis affecting the cooperatives, including those tied to Lamichhane’s Gorkha Media group.
The Nepali Congress has demanded punishment for Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane regarding his involvement in the cooperative fraud case. They have called for a parliamentary investigation into his role as the former Managing Director of Gorkha Media Network Pvt. Ltd.
On May 28, 2024, a new committee was formed to investigate fraud and embezzlement within Nepal’s financial cooperatives. The seven-member committee is chaired by CPN-UML lawmaker Surya Thapa. Its members include Sarita Bhusal (CPN-UML), Ishwari Neupane and Badri Pandey (Nepali Congress), Lekhnath Dahal (CPN-Maoist Centre), Shishir Khanal (Rastriya Swatantra Party), and Dhruba Bahadur Pradhan (Rastriya Prajatantra Party).
The committee submitted its report to the House Speaker on September 17, 2024, after commencing its work on June 5 and conducting 66 meetings during the investigation period.
The committee engaged with 451 representatives from various sectors and recorded statements from 47 alleged cooperative proprietors, including those associated with Gorkha Media Network. Fourteen of the meetings were dedicated to interrogating these individuals.
The report concluded that 40 cooperatives had embezzled a total of Rs 87 billion of depositors’ money. It specifically highlighted that Gorkha Media Network, where Rabi Lamichhane served as Managing Director, had received funds from several cooperatives, including Surya Darshan Savings and Credit Cooperative, Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative, Sahara Chitwan Multipurpose Cooperative, Swarnalaxmi Multipurpose Cooperative, and Sano Paila Savings and Credit Cooperative. The report revealed that Gorkha Media misappropriated Rs 650 million obtained from these cooperatives.
The tension intensified after Congress obstructed parliament following Lamichhane’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister for the second time, with disputes spreading from the parliament building to public forums. Lamichhane accused Thapa of misusing funds and harboring questionable foreign ties. In response, Thapa challenged him: “Probe my life from birth if you must.”
The committee has called for Lamichhane and others to be held accountable for their involvement in the fraud. The parliamentary committee report emphasized that those in key roles—such as shareholders, promoters, and managing directors—cannot escape responsibility for the funds received by the company.
From Friends to Foes: How Rabi Lamichhane and Gagan Thapa’s Friendship Turned into a Personality Clash, Personal Accusations, and a Clash of Egos
Rabi Lamichhane and Gagan Thapa shared a cordial relationship for over a decade and a half, but it oscillated between political partnership and intense rivalry, increasingly fueled by personal ego clashes and public accusations against each other.
Gagan Thapa was deeply upset with Rabi Lamichhane after Dr. Swarnim Wagle joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Wagle had been closely associated with Gagan Thapa during his time in the Congress, and Thapa perceived his decision as a personal betrayal—not only by Wagle but also by Rabi. Taking the matter personally, Thapa allowed his ego to dominate and began plotting against Rabi from that point onward.
A major turning point in their relationship came during the by-elections held on April 23, 2023. For the first time, Rabi and Gagan openly leveled public accusations against each other, straining their previously collaborative rapport. Around that election, their criticism escalated to a personal level, leaving a lasting impact on their relationship. Since then, numerous scandals, accusations, and challenges have been exchanged, deepening the rift between them.
When Rabi Lamichhane assumed the role of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister for the second time, his relationship with Gagan Thapa reached a new low. Public accusations began to surface between the two.
Wagle won the House of Representatives by-election in Tanahun-1, defeating a candidate from the Nepali Congress. This victory contributed to RSP’s increased popularity, raising its representation in the House of Representatives to 21 members. Wagle became RSP’s Vice President and a member of parliament.
The rivalry between Rabi Lamichhane and Gagan Thapa escalated as their attacks turned increasingly personal. It was a devastating blow to the Nepali Congress, which had hoped to secure a victory in Chitwan but also lost in Tanahun. The party’s general secretaries, Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, were deployed to Tanahun and Chitwan, respectively, to secure wins for Congress.
Thapa had promised a decisive victory for the Congress in Tanahun and Chitwan, but the unexpected rise of Wagle dealt a heavy blow to Thapa. Tanahun-1, a previous constituency of Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Paudel, had vacated after Paudel resigned as a lawmaker to assume the presidency. Thapa took the loss of that Congress seat and the growing popularity of Rabi Lamichhane and the RSP personally.
Sensing a rising challenge, Thapa began to plot against Lamichhane, fearing that his own political career could collapse under Lamichhane’s mass appeal. Thapa’s core team was mobilized to counter Lamichhane’s surge, viewing him as an existential threat to his political career in the future of Nepali politics.
Their relationship during this period was cordial but not particularly close. Gagan, out of respect, referred to Rabi as Dai (elder brother) due to Rabi’s seniority in age and media experience. Rabi, one year older than Gagan, had also previously hosted a comedy show on Nepal Television titled Yastai Heha Hiha Ko Chalan.
The tension intensified after Congress obstructed parliament following Lamichhane’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister for the second time, with disputes spreading from the parliament building to public forums. Lamichhane accused Thapa of misusing funds and harboring questionable foreign ties. In response, Thapa challenged him: “Probe my life from birth if you must.”
Responding to allegations of seeking a loan from a cooperative, Lamichhane declared: “If Thapa provides proof that I sought a loan, I will quit politics.
Otherwise, he should quit politics.” In turn, Thapa accepted the challenge, asserting: “I will quit politics if I fail to furnish proof.” During a parliamentary session,
Lamichhane revealed that the Nepali Congress had previously offered him the prime ministerial position for a term of one and a half years.
“If I’m deemed unfit to serve as home minister, how can I morally justify assuming the role of prime minister? I wish to raise this question in the House. Is the offer for the prime ministerial position still valid, or has it lapsed?” Lamichhane asked.
During the House of Representatives election in November 2022, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Lamichhane and NC General Secretary Thapa had reached a strategic understanding.
The RSP refrained from fielding candidates in Kathmandu-4 to facilitate Thapa’s campaign while contesting in all other constituencies within Kathmandu. This agreement reportedly caused a stir within the Nepali Congress, highlighting internal discontent over the strategy.
Rabi and Gagan share an interesting history—they both worked as radio presenters over a decade and a half ago. Gagan began his political journey through student politics in the Nepali Congress, while Rabi remained in the media industry until he eventually formed his own political party.
The tensions between them escalated when the Nepali Congress took a stand, advocating for the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate Lamichhane over allegations of cooperative fraud. In response, Rabi adopted a dismissive attitude, refusing to address the issue seriously.
Before their political careers, both Rabi and Gagan had worked on Image FM 97.9. While Gagan’s stint in media was brief, Rabi’s media journey was longer.
Rabi established himself as a prominent figure by hosting multiple programs, such as Good Morning Kathmandu in the morning and Saanjhpakh in the evening, as a part-time host at Image FM for nearly a year and a half.
The court’s verdict—its type, scope, and implications—will determine not only Rabi’s future but also the RSP’s trajectory. Since the party’s support is heavily centered around him, his absence or weakened position could pose a substantial challenge for the RSP.
Their relationship during this period was cordial but not particularly close. Gagan, out of respect, referred to Rabi as Dai (elder brother) due to Rabi’s seniority in age and media experience. Rabi, one year older than Gagan, had also previously hosted a comedy show on Nepal Television titled Yastai Heha Hiha Ko Chalan.
Is Rabi Lamichhane Still Popular?
Yes, in Nepali politics, Rabi Lamichhane remains a figure that commands attention—whether people love him or hate him, they can’t ignore him. In fact, he is more popular than ever. While he faces significant unpopularity among Nepal’s elite society, his influence at the public level is undeniable.
Many never imagined Rabi would succeed in Nepali politics, expecting his rise to be short-lived. Yet, his unexpected ascent has left pundits still searching for explanations, with many unable to fully grasp the phenomenon.
Rabi represents a populist revolt against the establishment: a man of the people, a driver of anti-corruption rhetoric, and a figure who filled the political vacuum with alternative politics, capturing the frustration of the public.
A master media creation, Rabi’s experience in television and social media culture has contributed to his rise as a mega-star. He was—and still is—a sensation in both television and social media, remaining relevant and popular. His bold, fiery persona resonates with an angry public frustrated with the government, bureaucracy, and overall governance.
Mainstream media in Nepal scrutinizes Rabi Lamichhane at every level, distorting his words in the process. However, his supporters believe much of the mass media is biased, part of a plot to discredit him. Hardcore supporters argue that Rabi is a victim of a political witch-hunt—a revenge attempt by established political powers who seek to crush him for uncovering corruption, despite the lack of evidence.
These supporters view the media as spreading “fake news,” which they believe is part of a larger effort by traditional political parties to overturn the will of the people.
To many, especially among the common people, Rabi is still seen as a fighter for justice and a symbol of hope. He remains undeniably popular, continuing to capture the imagination of Nepal’s frustrated and disillusioned masses.
Conclusion: The Future of RSP Hinges on Rabi Lamichhane’s Fate
The survival of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) largely hinges on the fate of its chairman, Rabi Lamichhane. The party has garnered significant public trust primarily due to Lamichhane’s leadership and appeal, making its future closely tied to his own.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lacks the systematic, ideological, and political foundation of other traditional parties in Nepal. Its support base consists mainly of a loose network of sympathizers, youth, frustrated individuals, and urban voters who remain loyal to Rabi Lamichhane.
RSP’s success is largely built on the appeal and popularity of Rabi Lamichhane. The party’s rise is directly tied to Lamichhane’s personal influence, and without his active involvement, the RSP cannot sustain its momentum or attract significant public support.
Rabi’s fate rests in the hands of the judiciary and the broader political dynamics at play. If his party becomes a key player in new political equations, it is likely that political deals will be made to secure Rabi’s future.
RSP’s vote will be crucial for any potential prime ministerial candidate, and if the Congress-UML coalition shifts, both parties will seek to align with RSP to strengthen their position. In such a scenario, extensive political negotiations will take place.
Without Rabi’s involvement, the RSP will not offer its support, putting pressure on the negotiation process regarding the dismissal or management of Rabi’s case.
Internationally, populist political movements have been on the rise in recent years, spanning from the United States to European nations such as Austria, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, and beyond. Even in major European powerhouses like Germany and France, populism has gained traction.
The court’s verdict—its type, scope, and implications—will determine not only Rabi’s future but also the RSP’s trajectory. Since the party’s support is heavily centered around him, his absence or weakened position could pose a substantial challenge for the RSP.
Given the complexity of the case, involving multiple defendants and procedural intricacies, the court proceedings are likely to take over a year.
If the district courts in Kaski, Kathmandu, Rupandehi, Chitwan, and Biratnagar issue a verdict with a financial penalty in the cooperative fraud case while clearing Rabi of charges related to organized crime and money laundering, he can remain active in politics, despite the moral and ethical questions surrounding him.
Even with a limited court penalty, Rabi’s political survival is possible, although he may struggle to thrive.
Rabi Lamichhane’s dual passport case is another crucial factor that could determine his political survival. The ongoing case in the Supreme Court of Nepal adds further uncertainty to his future and the fate of his party, RSP. At this point, Rabi’s political destiny, along with that of RSP, is entirely in the hands of the judiciary, the chief justice, and influential players within the judiciary.
Despite lacking a background in traditional politics or culture, Rabi Lamichhane remains a popular figure in Nepali politics. If he is cleared by the court, he is likely to thrive in politics. However, if his career ends, the entire RSP could collapse, and new political forces may emerge before the next House of Representatives election.
Established political parties are becoming increasingly weak in urban areas, as they fail to fulfill promises and face mounting public frustration and anger, causing voters to shift allegiance.
There is potential for a new, alternative political force due to the growing unpopularity of traditional parties. The upcoming generation of young voters tends to prefer new parties and candidates.
RSP has failed to establish a strong political culture, having participated in government without securing a mandate from the public. Despite being the fourth-largest party in parliament, it has not yet demonstrated the ability to transform the stagnation of Nepali politics into progress.
RSP managed to tap into public grievances, capitalizing on public discontent and unethical political coalitions in previous elections, but it will be difficult to replicate that same environment in the next election.
Globally, there is significant momentum for populist parties and leaders, as exemplified by Donald Trump’s dramatic return to American politics. As a populist party, RSP has the potential to craft agendas that resonate with the public, particularly first-time voters in the next election if Rabi is able to secure clearances from the court.
This global phenomenon is also making its way into South Asia, and Nepal is no exception. Whether through RSP or another prominent figure, a new party could emerge to play a decisive role in the upcoming House of Representatives elections in Nepal.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, even if the court imposes a fine, his political career is unlikely to end. Lamichhane has the potential to reemerge stronger, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) poised to play a significant role in the next election, regardless of any negative publicity.
However, if the court’s verdict ends Rabi’s political career, RSP may struggle to survive or thrive, potentially losing its current influence, power, and political status.
Internationally, populist political movements have been on the rise in recent years, spanning from the United States to European nations such as Austria, Croatia, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, and beyond. Even in major European powerhouses like Germany and France, populism has gained traction.
The growth of populism is evident, but it remains uncertain who will ultimately be able to capitalize on this trend in Nepal in the next election.
Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen may consider starting a new party if Rabi is convicted, but if Rabi gets a court clearance, Balen is likely to back independent candidates in local elections rather than forming a party himself.
Balen’s support base, which now extends nationwide, remains loyal to RSP and other emerging parties. However, this support is fluid, and these voters could shift depending on whether Rabi is convicted or if Balen chooses not to form a new party.
Young voters are increasingly seeking self-actualization and a break from the status quo, rejecting a flawed political system. If Rabi Lamichhane is convicted, a new political force or figure could emerge, signaling a significant shift in the electorate’s mood.
Bhim Rawal has recently launched the “Motherland Awakening Campaign, Nepal,” but the public remains skeptical of older leaders. Voters are increasingly seeking fresh faces to lead them.
The future of Rabi Lamichhane’s political survival, and that of his party, hinges largely on the court’s verdict. He possesses a unique ability to garner youth support and influence electoral outcomes, especially in urban areas like Chitwan and Kathmandu, at least in the near future. Many, particularly lower-class citizens, foreign migrant workers, and youth, view Rabi as a victim of political persecution and a champion for the common people’s justice.
His grassroots supporters tend to distrust Kathmandu’s mainstream media, seeing it as part of the nation’s corrupt establishment. Ironically, negative media campaigns against Rabi may only enhance his image, reinforcing the perception among his supporters that he is battling a deeply entrenched system on their behalf.
Rabi Lamichhane excels at connecting with the public through his energetic, relatable speeches and direct communication style. His ability to draw massive crowds instantly and leverage platforms like Facebook and other social media has made him a direct voice for the masses. His nationalistic and layman rhetoric remains a crucial element of his appeal to Nepali voters.
Despite the controversies surrounding him, even if the court imposes a fine, his political career is unlikely to end. Lamichhane has the potential to reemerge stronger, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) poised to play a significant role in the next election, regardless of any negative publicity.
Youth and working-class voters continue to see Lamichhane as an icon, and their trust in him remains steadfast, despite various cases, power plays, scandals, and accusations.
If the court rules in his favor, Lamichhane’s consolidated popular support could elevate him into an even more influential figure in Nepali politics in the future.
(This article has utilized Artificial Intelligence (AI) assistance for structural enhancements in accordance with Nepal News’ AI Policy)
