Gyanendra Shahi to Challenge Rajendra Lingden for RPP Chair

Rastriya Prajatantra Party parliamentary party leader and spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi has decided to contest for the party chair in the upcoming general convention. Shahi has said generational change is also necessary within RPP and has prepared to challenge the current chair, Rajendra Lingden. RPP’s general convention is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on Mangsir 26, 27 and 28. Lingden is also preparing to seek another term, although he has not yet made an official announcement.

After general secretary Dr. Dhawal Shumsher Rana recently left the party, Lingden was seen as becoming less challenged in the upcoming convention. However, Shahi’s decision has added a new contest within the party. Shahi has been arguing that Lingden’s leadership has failed and that leadership transfer is necessary for RPP’s transformation. He had also demanded that Lingden resign and form a general convention organizing committee under another leader, but the party’s central committee formed the committee under Lingden’s coordination. Speaking to Nepal Press, Shahi said RPP also needs transformation and that he has decided to contest for chair. He said he will not step back from the decision under any circumstances. His strength in the convention may depend on whether anti-establishment leaders and former party chairs support him or choose another candidate.