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Pitfalls of Populism

Nepal’s hapless citizens have perceived the emergence of an alternative force — the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) — as a panacea to their numerous problems.

By Taha Kehar | October 2023

A spectre is haunting our inherently post-truth world — the spectre of populism. This political malaise has been injected into civil polities across France, India, Pakistan, the US, and the UK and has become a challenge to exercise. Once billed as a challenge to the status quo, the populist agenda is now viewed with suspicion and bears the potential to threaten democratic values and civil liberties. The paranoia surrounding this global wave of populism has led even the most prudent of political pundits to adopt a cynical outlook on self-proclaimed political messiahs.

It is, therefore, difficult to be optimistic about the rise of messianic politics in Nepal. The landlocked nation has witnessed copious political cataclysms over the last few decades. A chequered history of insurgency, intense polarization, and rapid shifts in governance structure may have altered the country’s socio-political complexion, but it has done little to dismantle the hegemony of traditional political stakeholders. Disenchanted by the status quo, a large segment of Nepal’s population believes that the existing political institutions don’t serve its interests. Mired in a crippling sense of alienation, Nepal’s hapless citizens have perceived the emergence of an alternative force — the freshly minted Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) — as a panacea to their numerous problems. The RSP went on to contest elections a few months after it was founded in June 2022 and became the fourth-largest party in parliament. Soon after the polls, the RSP joined the seven-party coalition led by President Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Following disagreements over reinstating the home minister, the RSP bowed out of the coalition in 2023 and instead pledged to offer external support to the government. Since then, the party has performed exceedingly well in the April by-elections for the House of Representatives and has emerged as a potent player in domestic politics.

A quick glance at the RSP’s manifesto reveals that the party is a strong proponent of constitutional socialism and participatory democracy. However, the RSP’s success cannot be solely attributed to its policy initiatives and political programme. Rabi Lamichhane, the party’s founder, enjoys a celebrity status that precedes his journey as a politician. Before his foray into politics, Lamichhane was a successful journalist who used his television programme to expose corruption and the injustices fuelled by the political incompetence of Nepal’s power elite. Through these endeavours, Lamichhane succeeded in cultivating an image of himself as a bastion of change. The RSP founder capitalized on his image and entered the political arena with the intention of becoming the saviour the people ardently hoped for. It comes as no surprise that he was elected with a majority of 34,312 votes — an impressive feat that puts established political groupings, such as the Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), to shame.


In light of the economic distress, unemployment, and governance failures that have besieged Nepal in recent years, Lamichhane’s people-centric approach gained traction as it fills a political vacuum. By throwing their weight behind a purported political messiah, Nepal’s population has waged a spirited revolt against the political machinations of their old rulers that haven’t benefited them over the decades. Be that as it may, the citizens have arguably chosen the lesser of two evils as the RSP founder is still a fledgling political leader who requires time to prove his mettle. Lamichhane’s strength lies in his good intentions. However, it remains to be seen if he possesses the capability to transform his promises and rhetoric into actionable social policies. Similarly, it would be somewhat naive to view Lamichhane as a messiah who can address the people’s woes without any unexpected fallouts.

Opportunism is a curse that afflicts even the most sincere, well-meaning political leaders. Since he joined active politics in 2022, Lamichhane has made some decisions that invite speculations over his alleged opportunism. After the 2022 general elections, Lamichhane decided to join a seven-party coalition despite the fact that the RSP leadership was keen on assuming the role of a bold and effective opposition. Lamichhane’s proponents might view his haste to join the coalition, which comprised political players whom he had vociferously criticized in the past, as a political compromise. Even so, his alacrity to enter an alliance with political groups that he vilified as part of his electoral programme remains a cause for concern.

The RSP founder’s detractors have also voiced reservations about the vast cult-like fan base he enjoys. Others have even criticized him for brazenly accusing the media of defaming him amid the controversies that arose owing to his citizenship irregularities. Some believe that he can effectively utilize his abilities as a member of the civil society and act as a watchdog to a self-serving state.

Populism is predicated on a brand of reactive politics that doesn’t always benefit statecraft if it isn’t channelled in the right direction. At this critical juncture, the RSP needs to channel its reactionary impulses into becoming a strong oppositional force or a watchdog that can police Nepal’s ruling elite.

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