KATHMANDU, Oct 31: Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has stressed the need to release Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Ravi Lamichhane from prison and form a new political alliance under his leadership to challenge the dominance of traditional parties.
Speaking at a program titled “Broad Political Dialogue” organized by the RSP on Friday, Dr. Bhattarai said that Lamichhane possesses essential leadership qualities and should be allowed to contribute to the nation’s politics while facing his legal issues from outside prison.
“Let’s get Ravi out somehow — a leadership is required from him as well,” Dr. Bhattarai said. “If an environment could be created to free him, his skills and talents could be utilized effectively.”
Protest staged at ICJ headquarters in Hague demanding release o...
Lamichhane is currently at Nakkhu prison in Kathmandu until final verdict on multiple cooperative fraud and organized crime cases. He recalled having previously signed a petition supporting Lamichhane’s release, saying he felt the RSP chief was being treated unfairly.
Dr. Bhattarai also urged all emerging political forces — including leaders like Resham Chaudhary and CK Raut — to set aside their egos and unite under a single platform. He emphasized that only a united front could provide a true alternative to the Nepali Congress and the Communist parties.
“A real alternative can be created if all new forces come together,” he said.
Dr. Bhattarai, however, acknowledged that dismantling the influence of the traditional parties would not be easy. “The two currents called Congress and Communists have been rooted deeply for decades. They have been shaken, but not yet uprooted,” he remarked.
He cautioned that unless the new and alternative forces unite, defeating the old political establishment will remain difficult.
-1765447895.webp)
