KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has initiated disciplinary proceedings against its lawmaker Khagendra Sunar following a series of controversies, including allegations related to violence against women.
Concerns about Sunar’s conduct had surfaced earlier over allegations of mistreating a woman and his behaviour during public appearances. Tensions within the party reportedly escalated after he made controversial remarks in public and allegedly intimidated senior Nepal Police officials.
The party stepped up its response after an audio recording allegedly involving Sunar in an incident of violence against a woman surfaced on social media.
The RSP’s disciplinary commission is investigating the matter. Depending on the findings, Sunar could face suspension or further disciplinary action, including possible recall under the party’s ‘right to recall’ provision.
In a statement, party General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya confirmed that a detailed investigation was underway and said Sunar had been barred from attending public events until further notice.
The party said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards violence against women and has taken the audio recording seriously.
Acharya said the party would decide on further action after the investigation is completed, adding that no leader would be shielded if found to have committed a crime.
RSP Whip Prakash Chandra Pariyar also said the party takes allegations of misconduct and violence seriously. He indicated that Sunar could face suspension or other disciplinary measures if the allegations were substantiated.
“The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s statute includes a ‘right to recall’ provision, allowing elected representatives to be recalled. A comprehensive investigation is therefore underway. The party has no intention of shielding or protecting him. If it is established that he engaged in unlawful or criminal activities, including violence against women, action will be taken,” Pariyar said.
He added that the party’s policy was not to protect anyone involved in criminal activities and that those found responsible must face the law.
Acharya reiterated that no one would be exempt from accountability because of their position. He said further details would emerge once the investigation was concluded.
Party leaders demand action against Sunar
Calls for action against Sunar have reportedly intensified within the party, with some leaders expressing concern that the controversy has damaged the party’s reputation.
The RSP’s statute includes a provision allowing elected representatives to be recalled if they fail to fulfil their responsibilities or are found to have engaged in misconduct. The party has also stated that action will be taken against elected representatives proven to have been involved in criminal activities.
A team comprising General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, Samiksha Baskota and other party leaders is reportedly examining the matter.
Demands for Sunar’s recall have previously been raised with party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah. According to party sources, more than half of the RSP’s lawmakers are seeking action against him.
Several lawmakers have reportedly approached Lamichhane collectively, arguing that the situation has become untenable and calling for Sunar’s removal through the party’s ‘right to recall’ mechanism.
The party’s disciplinary commission is continuing its investigation, and the final decision on Sunar’s political future is expected after the inquiry concludes.
In response, RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane urged lawmakers to cooperate with the investigation. The lawmakers believe that if the inquiry establishes Sunar’s involvement in criminal activity, he will face disciplinary action.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) statute grants ordinary party members in a constituency the right to recall their elected representative if they are dissatisfied with the representative’s performance.
Under regulations to be formulated by the party’s Central Committee, if a specified number or percentage of ordinary members in the concerned constituency votes for a recall, the Central Committee is required to initiate the process of removing the representative from office.
In the past, Deepak Kumar Sah, who served as Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, was removed from the post on the recommendation of RSP Chairman Lamichhane. It has also been claimed that the ‘right to recall’ mechanism was invoked in that case.
Given that the RSP statute provides for the recall of elected representatives, demands are growing within the party for the provision to be applied in Sunar’s case as well.
Party leaders, however, say that Sunar is currently under investigation and could face removal if he is found guilty of wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, some argue that the party itself cannot directly exercise the ‘right to recall’, as the provision is intended to empower the public that elected the representative, rather than the party, to initiate the recall process.
The ‘right to recall’ allows voters to remove an elected representative before the end of their term. The principle holds that those who elect a representative should also have the authority to remove them if they lose public trust, fail to fulfil their promises or act against the public interest, without having to wait until the next election.