Kathmandu: Dissatisfaction is intensifying within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). While the party asserts it has gathered millions signatures in support of President Rabi Lamichhane — who is serving sentence in a cooperative fraud case .

Key Leaders Exit the Party
Bhabilal Chapagain, deputy head of the RSP Bagmati Province Publicity Committee, has publicly announced his resignation and urged others to follow his lead. In a Facebook post, Chapagain appealed to “patriotic Nepali citizens” to leave the RSP, stating bluntly: “You are not the RSP we thought, sir.”

Scandals Fueling Disillusionment
Lamichhane’s entanglement in allegations of cooperative fraud and possession of dual passports has deepened disillusionment within the party. Among those departing is Ramesh Kharel — a former DIG of Nepal Police — who, along with hundreds of members, resigned in protest. Kharel, once a key figure in the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), left after opposing Lamichhane’s appointment as Home Minister, citing a clear conflict of interest.

Mission 84 Under Scrutiny
Despite the RSP’s signature drive in Lamichhane’s defense — reportedly attracting support from leaders and activists across political lines — the steady wave of resignations has cast serious doubt over the viability of Mission 84.

Return to Old Political Homes
Once a refuge for those disillusioned with major parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, the RSP now faces a reverse migration. Many former members are returning to their previous political affiliations, claiming the party’s founding ideals have eroded.