The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has appointed vice-chairperson DP Aryal as its acting chair. The decision was made during a virtual meeting of the party’s secretariat held on Monday.

According to RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar, the proposal to assign Aryal the role was forwarded by party chair Rabi Lamichhane and subsequently approved by the secretariat. The meeting also discussed plans to convene a central committee meeting soon.

This development comes as Lamichhane faces legal challenges, with an indictment filed against him under charges of money laundering. If proven, this would result in the automatic suspension of his position as a Member of Parliament.

Consequently, the RSP parliamentary party will need to elect a new leader, although the parliamentary party meeting has yet to be scheduled. It is expected to be convened after the announcement of the next parliamentary session.