RSP Cancels Victory Rallies: A Mandate for Governance Over Celebration
7th March 2026, Kathmandu
In a historic shift from traditional Nepalese political culture, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has officially announced that it will not organize any victory rallies or celebration events, despite its commanding performance in the recent 2026 general elections.
RSP Cancels Victory Rallies
The decision, which has sent ripples through the political landscape, underscores the party’s commitment to a “new political culture” that prioritizes service delivery and national sensitivity over public displays of triumph.
DP Aryal: “The Result is a Responsibility, Not a Festival”
RSP Vice President DP Aryal issued a video message to the public and party cadres, providing clear instructions to halt all planned celebrations. In the message, Aryal stated that the directive came directly from party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen Shah.
“This election result represents a mandate from the people for good governance,” Aryal emphasized. “We are here to deliver, not to celebrate. At a time when the nation and the world face sensitive challenges, our focus must remain on the work ahead.”
Why RSP is Skipping the Celebrations
According to party insiders, two major factors influenced this decision:
Respect for the Gen-Z Protest Movement: The 2026 election followed a period of intense social upheaval and youth-led protests. RSP leaders believe that holding lavish “color rallies” would be insensitive to the Gen-Z activists who fought for systemic change and suffered during the pre-election unrest.
Global Tensions in the Middle East: With the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, a region where millions of Nepalese migrant workers are currently stationed, the party leadership felt that public celebrations would be inappropriate and out of touch with the anxieties of Nepalese families.
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A New Era Under Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah
The alliance between Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah has been a defining feature of this election cycle. By framing the victory as a “solemn responsibility,” the RSP is attempting to distance itself from the “old parties” often criticized for prioritizing power-sharing and parades over policy.
Chairman Lamichhane has reiterated that the party’s primary goal is to address the immediate needs of the public, including economic reform and the fight against corruption. For the RSP, the real “victory rally” will be the successful implementation of their governance manifesto.
Key Takeaways from the RSP Directive
No Color Rallies: All supporters and candidates are barred from organizing public parades.
Focus on Governance: The party will immediately transition from campaigning to administrative preparation.
Sensitivity to Migrant Workers: The party cited the Middle East crisis as a reason for national sobriety.
Youth Alignment: The decision honors the spirit of the Gen-Z uprising that demanded a more serious approach to politics.
For more: RSP Cancels Victory Rallies
