National 2 (Spotlight Weekly)

Political Palpitation

The race for the presidency of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party kicks off political activity

By SANJAYA DHAKAL

Even before the October 4 royal proclamation, the activities of the major political parties in the country were minimal. Having been gradually and violently pushed out of the hinterlands, the parties had slowed down their activities. Despite the announcement of the elections by the Sher Bahadur Deuba government, the parties had been reluctant to organize their campaigns. After the royal step, too, the parties failed to come together and give a new direction to a country badly in need of a healing touch.

The announcement of the third convention of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) - scheduled for December 12-14, 2002 - there is now a welcome fluttering of political wings within the party. The convention assumes greater importance this time, since Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand belongs to the party.

Dr. Lohani (left), Rana and Sharma : Who will win the race?

Besides, the RPP is preparing to hand over leadership to the new generation. The incumbent party president Surya Bahadur Thapa, who has already been elected to this post twice, will have to step aside since the party charter does not permit more than two terms. Chand has not indicated he will stand for the post. Thus, the stage is set for new faces to take up the reins of the RPP.

Already four leaders have announced their candidature for the post. Rabindra Nath Sharma, Pashupati SJB Rana, Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani and Padma Sundar Lawati are in the fray. The history of the RPP as a democratic party is a recent one. After the restoration of democracy in 1990, the leaders of the erstwhile Panchayat system formed the party with the emphasis on the three ideals of nationalism, democracy and liberalization. During the brief era of coalition governments in the mid 1990s, the party headed the government twice, although it was only the third largest party in parliament.

The RPP's third convention, specifically the issues it discusses and policies it adopts, will have a long-term impact on the country's political course. The convention will also complete the party's metamorphosis from its association in the Panchayat polity to the current multiparty one. The four leaders who have announced their candidature for the presidency are all well-known politicians. Dr. Lohani is known for his intellectual abilities and has served as minister several times. He is currently the vice-president of the party. Rana, the general secretary of the party, is also equally well known. Dr. Lohani and Rana were the two MPs elected with vast majority even in the first general election where most other former panchas were roundly trounced.

Sharma is another stalwart who has thrown his gauntlet. Known as a shrewd politician, Sharma is staking his claim to the top party post saying he is the seniormost leader. Lawati, the fourth candidate, is also an old warhorse of the party.

Apart from the new president, the convention will also elect 21 member central committee, including two women.

The two seniormost leaders of the party, Thapa and Chand, have not shown† direct proximity to any of the four candidates. Even as the stage appears set for four-way race, one should not be surprised if a fifth dark horse emerges winner in the name of consensus in the 11th hour. In any case, the RPP convention has triggered fresh political activities in the country.