The political lesson that recent by-polls has disseminated could be summarized this way: old leaders and traditionally organized parties have lost trust of people because of their addiction to personalized gain from politics and nonperformance in the past 33 years. Whether they have learnt it or not will be seen in future. The warning within the lesson is clear: if they do not change their approach to politics, they will have no space in politics in future. New political forces are preparing to replace them and people are interested in giving them new opportunities to preside over politics and governance. A rather silent political move is heading towards this direction and it is currently being led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The overwhelming support MP Swarnim Wagle and MP Rabi Lamichhane got in the by-election is indicative of that move. Their victories under the banner of the new Rastriya Swatantra Party, when viewed against the backdrop of all forces of traditional parties- ruling or opposition are significant. People had placed the RSP in the general election in the fourth place in parliament and they have re-sent the same message with more vigour and intensity in by-polls. Wagle, a Nepali Congress man until recently and a democrat in ideology, joined RSP and won sending direct warning against Deuba’s leadership style. Lamichhane, the Chairman of RSP, was elected in general election and appointed Home Minister but was compelled to quit government and vacate parliamentary seat because of a court order over his citizenship issue. He was successful in re-winning his seat with more impressive figure. This indicates people are happy with the way he behaved in government and during the process of law in a court case. Retaining trust in him people have expressed clearly their attitude for change in politics. Why RSP could not perform well in Bara 2 by election is something the party has to find out and improve its political base in the Terai area. Lack of internal democracy in the party, leaders’ highhandedness in all affairs, disconnect with people or voters after polls, inability to tolerate dissent and failure to perform while in government are some of the pressing reasons for making people lose trust in traditional parties. Fulfilling or attempting to fulfill the expectation of people is what the RSP cannot sideline. If it cannot do so it will also not be able to continue the new drive felt in the country’s latest political scenario. History shows how new parties could not take off despite promising beginning. That is why the RSP has to do politics with care and wisdom for preserving the people’s trust in a sustainable way.
