Rabi Lamichhane, born on June 11, 1975, in Nagarkot, Kathmandu, Nepal, is a prominent Nepali politician, former journalist, and television presenter. He currently serves as a Member of the House of Representatives from Chitwan-2 and is the leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Before entering politics, he was widely recognized for his fearless investigative journalism, through which he highlighted various social and political issues affecting the people of Nepal. Over the years, he has transitioned from an outspoken journalist to a key political figure, shaping Nepal’s contemporary political landscape.
Early Life and Education
Rabi Lamichhane was born in Nagarkot, Bhaktapur, Nepal, but spent most of his early years in Kathmandu. He pursued his schooling at Bhrikuti Secondary School and later enrolled at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus for higher education. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, he could not complete his academic journey.
From a young age, he showed a keen interest in media and entertainment, working as a radio presenter and comedian. His early exposure to media helped him develop strong communication skills, which later became a defining trait of his journalism career.
In the early 2000s, he moved to the United States, where he worked in various fields, including as a supervisor in a fast-food chain. He resided in the U.S. for about a decade and even acquired American citizenship in 2007. However, driven by a deep desire to serve his homeland, he renounced his U.S. citizenship in 2017 and returned to Nepal to make a meaningful impact in the fields of media and politics.
Rise to Fame: Journalism and Investigative Reporting
Rabi Lamichhane gained national and international recognition in April 2013, when he set a Guinness World Record for the longest marathon television talk show, lasting 62 hours and 12 minutes. This record-breaking show, which aired on News24 TV, revolved around the theme "Buddha was born in Nepal", promoting Nepal’s historical and cultural significance on a global stage.
Following this achievement, he became a household name in Nepal and went on to host several popular television programs, most notably:
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Sidha Kura Pradhanmantri Sanga (Direct Talk with the Prime Minister)
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Sidha Kura Janata Sanga (Direct Talk with the People)
These programs, especially Sidha Kura Janata Sanga, became highly influential as Lamichhane adopted a direct and aggressive journalistic approach, confronting corrupt officials, criminals, and wrongdoers on live television. His nationalist tone and fearless reporting earned him a large following, but also made him a controversial figure. Critics accused him of sensationalism and media trials, while supporters viewed him as a voice of the voiceless, advocating for ordinary Nepalis against corruption and injustice.
Political Career and Leadership in Nepal
Entry into Politics and Formation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)
In June 2022, Rabi Lamichhane took a significant step by announcing his entry into politics, establishing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The party, which translates to "National Independent Party," was founded on principles of anti-corruption, nationalism, and youth empowerment. Lamichhane’s decision to transition from journalism to politics was driven by his desire to bring systematic changes to Nepal’s governance, which he had often criticized in his television programs.
2022 General Elections and Victory
In the November 2022 Nepalese general elections, Rabi Lamichhane contested from Chitwan-2 and won by an overwhelming margin, reflecting the trust people had in his leadership. His party also gained significant public support, securing a strong position in Parliament.
Following his victory, the RSP supported Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) for the position of Prime Minister, and in return, Lamichhane was appointed as:
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Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal
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Minister for Home Affairs
His tenure in these positions, however, was short-lived due to controversies surrounding his citizenship status.
Citizenship Controversy and Legal Challenges
Despite renouncing his U.S. citizenship in 2017, Rabi Lamichhane's return to Nepal was marred by legal complexities. He claimed to have reinstated his Nepali citizenship, but the Supreme Court of Nepal ruled that he had not followed due legal procedures. As a result, in January 2023, he was stripped of: parliamentary seat, party leadership position and from ministerial roles.
This decision temporarily halted his political momentum, but Lamichhane quickly reacquired his Nepali citizenship following proper legal procedures. He then recontested the Chitwan-2 by-election in April 2023 and won with an even larger margin, reinforcing his political strength and public support.
Major Controversies and Legal Battles
Throughout his career, Rabi Lamichhane has been entangled in several controversies, including:
1. Abetment to Suicide Case
In August 2019, journalist Shalikram Pudasaini, who had previously worked with Lamichhane, died by suicide. In a video message recorded before his death, Pudasaini alleged that Lamichhane and two others had mentally harassed him, pushing him to take his own life.
Lamichhane was arrested and charged with abetment to suicide, sparking nationwide protests. His supporters believed the arrest was politically motivated, aiming to silence his investigative journalism. Eventually, he was released on bail and later acquitted of all charges due to a lack of substantial evidence.
2. Allegations of Sensationalism in Journalism
Many critics argue that Lamichhane’s journalistic style was highly confrontational and biased, often bypassing legal processes. Some accused him of conducting media trials, violating journalistic ethics, and using public sentiment for personal political gain.
Legacy and Current Influence in Nepalese Politics
Despite facing numerous challenges, Rabi Lamichhane remains a highly influential figure in Nepalese politics and media. His career trajectory from a media personality to a political leader is a testament to his determination and resilience.
Key Contributions and Achievements
Future Prospects
As of 2024, Rabi Lamichhane continues to play a pivotal role in Nepalese politics. His party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), remains influential, especially among young and urban voters. Despite the setbacks, he continues to engage with the public, voicing concerns over governance, national integrity, and economic development.
His unwavering commitment to addressing the issues of the underprivileged ensures that he will remain a significant figure in Nepal’s political landscape for years to come.
Conclusion
Rabi Lamichhane's journey from a television presenter to a political leader reflects his charismatic leadership and dedication to Nepal’s progress. His bold journalism, impactful political moves, and resilience in the face of challenges have made him one of Nepal’s most controversial yet admired public figures. Whether as a journalist or politician, Lamichhane’s influence continues to shape the future of Nepalese governance and media.
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