Two-thirds mandate transforms RSP Chair Lamichhane into a calmer, more measured avatar

KATHMANDU, March 18: The weight of a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives appears to have reshaped the political tone of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane. Once known for his sharp rhetoric and combative style, Lamichhane now presents himself as calmer, more composed, and notably restrained in his criticism of rival political forces in the country.

The transformation was evident on Wednesday at the conclusion of a two-day orientation programme for newly elected RSP lawmakers in Gwarko. Standing before a party emboldened by an unprecedented electoral mandate, Lamichhane struck a markedly different note—one that emphasised responsibility over rhetoric and discipline over defiance.

In the run-up to the general elections, Lamichhane’s speeches often leaned toward the provocative. He rallied voters with emotionally charged appeals and did not shy away from confronting critics, including rival politicians and journalists. His assertive posture helped galvanise public attention, positioning him as a disruptor in Nepal’s political landscape.

But that tone now appears to have shifted.

Now leading a party entrusted with an extraordinary public mandate, Lamichhane appears acutely aware of the expectations that come with power. Addressing party lawmakers, he urged them to internalise humility and accountability, reminding them that they are “servants of the people, not their rulers.” He went a step further, encouraging them to live like ordinary citizens and, where possible, seek treatment at public hospitals—a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing trust in state institutions.

Equally striking was his effort to temper political hostility. In a departure from earlier confrontational messaging, Lamichhane refrained from directly criticising rival parties. Instead, he acknowledged the historic contributions of traditional forces such as the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoists—without naming them—signalling a willingness to move beyond antagonism toward a more cooperative political approach. “You created the history; we will now create the future,” he said, while recognising the contributions of parties that suffered a humiliating defeat in the recent elections.

Internally, too, his message was one of restraint and discipline. Acknowledging that the party had little time to groom its rapidly expanding base, he instructed leaders and supporters alike to avoid aggressive behaviour on social media and to refrain from belittling opponents. The days of unfiltered outrage, he suggested, must give way to measured engagement.

Lamichhane also cautioned his lawmakers against the temptations of power. He discouraged them from entering the race for ministerial positions and warned of the subtle influence of vested interest groups. “This is not a moment for celebration,” he reminded them, invoking the presence of a martyr’s mother in Parliament as a sobering symbol of sacrifice and responsibility.

He did not shy away from acknowledging the precarious nature of political power in Nepal. Drawing from past experiences of government formation, he warned that efforts to destabilise a new administration begin almost immediately after it takes shape. Vigilance, he stressed, would be key.

At the same time, Lamichhane sought to reassure broader constituencies. His remarks extended beyond party lines to the private sector, the international community, and investors, all of whom he urged to place their trust in the RSP’s leadership. He pledged that an RSP-led government would ensure a stable and supportive environment in which businesses can operate with confidence, backed by strong policy protections for investment, in a bid to assuage concerns about investing in Nepal.

He also reaffirmed his commitment to the constitution and the existing political system, attempting to dispel any lingering doubts about his party’s ideological bearings. He called on all RSP lawmakers to exercise caution and responsibility when dealing with matters related to the country’s foreign policy.

Yet, even as Lamichhane’s tone evolves, challenges remain. Public frustration with political leadership runs deep, and he acknowledged that while citizens waited decades for change, they may not grant his party even a few weeks of grace. The message to his lawmakers was clear: deliver results—and do so quickly.

Notably absent from the programme was RSP senior leader Balen Shah, whose silence and limited engagement in party activities continue to raise questions. While the party cited health reasons for his absence, his lack of visibility at key moments has not gone unnoticed.

For Lamichhane, the shift in tone may well be strategic—but it also reflects the realities of power. With a commanding near two-thirds mandate comes heightened scrutiny, and with it, the need for political maturity. Whether this new, measured avatar endures will depend not just on words, but on the government’s ability to translate promise into performance.