Kathmandu – Nepal’s fourth-largest parliamentary party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has found itself in the spotlight. Despite party president Rabi Lamichhane facing legal challenges, RSP leaders argue that the party has remained firm and is instead being treated with vindictiveness by the establishment.

Influential Nepali Congress leader and MP Ramhari Khatiwada labeled RSP as a party “run by NGOs.” Speaking to the media, Khatiwada claimed his party stood for “permanent politics,” while accusing RSP leaders of being immature.

Leaders from both the Nepali Congress and the UML have frequently mocked RSP, calling it a party of “greenhorns.” Khatiwada, while commenting on RSP’s ongoing protest in parliament over the “visit visa scandal,” urged its leaders to “become more mature.” RSP lawmakers have been staging protests since May 27, demanding Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation. The ruling coalition, however, has largely ignored their agitation. Dissatisfied with the government-formed probe committee, RSP has insisted on forming a new one, vowing not to back down until its demands are met.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address parliament at 1 p.m. today, ahead of his planned visits to China and India. His speech is expected to focus on upcoming diplomatic engagements as well as the Lipulekh–Kalapani border dispute.

However, both the RSP and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) have decided to boycott the session. The two opposition parties have been boycotting parliament for weeks over the visit visa issue and their demand for the Home Minister’s resignation. RSP spokesperson Manish Jha dismissed reports suggesting the party would allow the Prime Minister to speak, clarifying that its lawmakers, led by Ganesh Parajuli, would walk out instead. RPP Vice President Dhruv Bahadur Pradhan also confirmed his party would continue the boycott.