I remember the early days of our party’s founding, when we struggled to gather even a small number of people to listen to us. Today, we are holding this program with that very number now represented by our own Members of the House of Representatives. I always had faith because we never looked away from the eyes of the people; we never distanced ourselves from their doorsteps. No matter how high we flew in the sky, one foot always remained firmly on the ground. We never left the soil.

I had faith, but I must admit, there was a slight uncertainty as to whether the Nepali people would send us with such a massive sense of responsibility. However, I knew one thing for certain: this country wants change. The nation is searching for transformation, and once the people desire change, no power in the world can stop it. All that is needed is the right group and the right leadership. Perhaps we have arrived at that specific point in history.

Today, rather than saying much, I stand here to make you feel the weight of your responsibility. I stand here with pride. We can proudly say that the Nepali people have placed a level of trust in us that they have never shown to anyone else in history. I am proud to be the guardian of the RSP family.

To the Vice-Presidents, General Secretary, Central Members, newly elected Members of the House of Representatives, well-wishers, friends at various levels of the party, and the respected brothers and sisters present here to spread our word across the world through the media—though this orientation program is a “closed camp” intended for our MPs, we decided to broadcast this address globally through our media friends. After all, what do we have to hide? Transparency is the most important link in politics. Standing on that transparency, I am going to tell you some “bitter and sweet” things. One cannot always talk about sweet things, nor is it productive to only talk about the bitter.

First, please drink plenty of water and do not delay going to the restroom for long periods. I recently suffered from a severe urinary tract infection because I drank very little water during the election rush and held back from using the toilet. It affected my health quite significantly, though I am recovering now. I see the faces of those who ran during the elections; your hard work is visible on your faces. But your faces must always remain like this—soaked in the sweat of the people, always connected to the people.

There is currently a giant wall between the leadership and the public. People don’t even want to get close to many leaders because they don’t feel like those leaders belong to them. Today, we have reached every doorstep to say “Namaste.” Be careful—you must not reach a point tomorrow where you don’t even return the “Namaste” they give you. That is not the kind of leadership the people are looking for.

You are celebrating today. The vermillion (abir) on many of your foreheads hasn’t even faded, and some are still wearing garlands. You must work in such a way that the Nepali people can celebrate like this every single day for the next five years. Think of how happy your families are that you became an “Honorable” MP. There were celebrations, cake cutting, and lamps lit. The people must celebrate like that for five years because they chose you and they chose me. That is our challenge. If you think of these five years as just another typical term, it will create a difficult situation.

I know some people think politics will continue to run the same way, and I see some running around with that old mindset. Politics is not going to run that way anymore. Nothing will move as it did yesterday. We are going to shed the old skin completely. The Nepali people gave us this mandate to transform the system entirely.

We have come to make laws. The primary responsibility the people have placed on your shoulders is to create legislation. They may not know that changing a law is what builds the road to their house, brings water to their taps, or provides electricity and internet—but you must know which legal clause is blocking that water from reaching their homes. You must study. Therefore, stop this race for power, the running around, and the habit of closing deals or taking photos for show. I am being a bit bitter today. As lawmakers, our responsibility is profound. Many laws needed to implement the constitution haven’t been made yet. Despite the long time since the constitution’s formation, there were various hurdles. But now, the Nepali people have given us a clear, nearly two-thirds majority so that we have no excuses. Now, the only thing that can stop us is our own intent.

I haven’t had a long experience in politics, but in the time I’ve been here, I’ve had to face constant attacks. This party was attacked from its birth. Lawsuits were filed against its name. There were attempts to crush it in its infancy. We saved it. There were lawsuits against our election symbol, attempts to destroy the “Bell.” We protected it from established political parties and interest groups. We saved the Bell because it had to be rung for the Nepali people. It wasn’t easy. Even when all the powers of this country stood against us, we didn’t tremble. We didn’t waver because we believed in the consciousness of the citizens.

Citizens watch everything. Some challenge the consciousness of the people, even suggesting the people themselves are at fault. If that were true, the people wouldn’t have given us 21 seats last time; they could have given us a two-thirds majority immediately. But last time, the citizens said, “Let’s watch these new ones first so they don’t become arrogant, and let’s give the old ones a chance to correct themselves.” However, the government that received that mandate challenged the people’s wisdom. We must remove the blindfold that comes with power. If the Nepali people waited 35 or 36 years for old parties, they won’t wait 36 months or 36 days for us. Be sure of that.

As lawmakers, your race should not be to the houses of interest groups. You don’t need to win by forming factions like the Congress or UML. Everyone fits under the Bell. There is so much power in the Bell that no factions are necessary. If we cannot rise above “me-centered” politics—worrying about our position in the party, the parliament, or the government—and fail to practice “country-centered” politics, our fate will be worse than that of the old leaders. I am telling you this on Day One: do not put yourself at the center.

Until now, politics was about making “national agreements” that were actually just leaders securing their own positions. Parties secured their own spots, but did they secure the country? That is the question. Right now, the country is at the center. We are here to fulfill the dream the country has seen. The nation is not obligated to carry the burden of your or my dream to become a Minister or Prime Minister. But we are obligated to carry the burden of this society’s dreams. That is why they voted for us.

This is no small matter. There are mothers of martyrs here—pay attention. Before you collude with any middleman, before you even share a cup of tea or a sip of water with them, remember the mother of a martyr. She entered this parliament by sacrificing her son. The influence of middlemen is rampant. I am sharing what I have seen in my short time in politics. People will run to distract you and influence you. The situation is such that the moment a government is formed, a group becomes active to topple it. Every time we receive an unprecedented mandate, attempts are made to create a rift among us. You might see these intentions hidden within the news. We must protect ourselves from such places.

There are many who want to split us, bring us down, and make us fail. There are also millions who did not vote for us. There is no shortage of opposition or enemies. The only difference is how strong we are. We must be strong ourselves. We must stop using words like “the other side split us,” “foreign plots,” or “this person’s trap.” If we fail, it will only be because we couldn’t stay united or because we became prisoners of our own interests.

I welcome friends who have come to RSP from various political backgrounds. You should have no hesitation or inferiority complex. You don’t need to turn red when people criticize old parties. we have welcomed you with an open heart. The only requirement is that you must shake off the old habits. Young brothers and sisters shed their blood so the country wouldn’t run that way anymore. We have a historical responsibility. This isn’t just a regular election; it is an election brought about by the blood of martyrs. No one has the right to give reckless statements, make this a matter of entertainment, or present themselves lightly. Not even me. Citizens are watching our every move. No statement or action should make a voter hang their head in shame. Every vote must be respected.

It feels good to speak in the media and see your name in the news. Media personnel are our friends and part of this society. But if you give lighthearted or irresponsible statements without realizing the impact on foreign relations or long-term national interests, it can hurt the country. You are no longer the person you were yesterday; you are a responsible MP, a lawmaker. If anyone still feels like they are just an “activist” or a “professional” who can speak publicly without responsibility, you are more than welcome to leave. It won’t make a difference. But if you stay, you must realize your role has changed. You have to change laws, bring amendments, and ensure that the people who voted for you have joy in their homes and food in their kitchens. They should feel that they can get a hospital bed without needing a “source” or “connection.”

I request you: if possible, seek treatment in government hospitals. I am not making this a rule for emergencies, but try to use government services to help make them more efficient. It is not right for you to receive special privileges while the children of ordinary citizens suffer.

The RSP isn’t even four years old. We are a collection of people from diverse backgrounds. Within RSP, you see the face of the entire country. Among us, there may be people with high public profiles or simple public lives. But let me be clear: regardless of whether the government has a two-thirds majority or falls to a minority, the RSP will strictly implement the “Right to Recall” provision established in our constitution since birth. There is a thin line between freedom and discipline. The party has no intention of infringing on your freedom, but you must use that freedom responsibly. The party will be strict on discipline because if we cannot be disciplined as our family grows, it will lead to anarchy. We cannot accept anarchy in a society already troubled by it.

I may sound different today than usual—speaking about strictness, action, and the “Right to Recall.” You should feel this pressure. You must feel the weight of the hope and expectations the Nepali people poured into their votes every single day. People say if the country isn’t built now, it never will be. When you went to ask for votes, you know what mothers and fathers told you while crying: “Son, save this country.” It sounds simple, but think of how deep and heavy that is. They are asking us—ordinary people holding a blue flag and a bell—to save the nation. This is a massive power, and with great power comes great responsibility.

RSP contains the face of the whole country: businesspeople, students, Gen Z, youth, women, representatives of marginalized groups, social activists, poets, artists, models, and former administrators. To keep such a large family on one track requires immense discipline. I don’t begrudge your media presence, but please consult the party line before expressing yourself. Don’t let a small comment hurt a voter or damage important national relations. On grave matters like the economy, your light comments can turn hope into despair.

Aside from when Parliament is in session, your place is with the people. Work continuously in your constituencies. If a person in your area suffers, it is your responsibility because they elected you thinking you would bring them relief. I want to see our MPs at tea stalls and village squares, not just in grand halls or foreign seminars. Being an MP doesn’t suddenly grant you all knowledge. You need to study. I have seen many people change their behavior and attitude the moment they get power. Stay close to the citizens.

We have made a “contract” with the citizens. They were ready to vote for us, but we made extra commitments because we are dedicated to transforming the country. Read every word of that contract. And among you in this hall, some will likely lead ministries. But please, stop the media trials and lobbying to be a Minister. The party hasn’t decided who will go into the cabinet yet. The party will make the right decision based on expertise. We know your skills. Some of you are visible, some are working quietly in the background—the party is watching everyone.

I also request my media friends: there are 101 experts within RSP in this hall. If you tilt your cameras left or right, up or down, you will see them. Please inform the public about them so they know the caliber of people within this party.

We worked very hard in this election. Most of you are new MPs. It’s natural to feel uncertain. The physical hard work you did during the election might not be required now, but the hard work in thinking, reading, studying, and researching must be even greater. You have a rare opportunity to write the history of your own country with your own hands. We told the people on the 21st that they would write their own fate; today I tell you, the future of this country is in your hands alone. The people did their part—they said, “Here, write our future, stop our children from going abroad, create jobs, build roads, bring electricity, and provide education.” Do not treat this as just a celebration; treat it as a profound responsibility.

I say it again: this change didn’t come from normal circumstances. It came from the blood shed by young brothers and sisters. You must work so that in the next election, no candidate has to beg for votes—our work should speak for itself. Never be afraid to learn what you don’t know. Knowledge doesn’t pour over us just because we enter the Parliament building. We must strive to understand where the problems lie. If this country cannot be built when so many enlightened, capable, and young people stand together, then who can build it? We can, and we will.

Finally, the biggest problem I see is social justice. We must fight for it. For many, “development” means physical infrastructure—big buildings and smooth roads. To me, the indicator of development is social justice. A society without justice or one rife with discrimination is not a society fit for humans. We must advocate for social justice. Although RSP tried to be inclusive, we couldn’t connect everyone. While we fielded more women than other parties, it’s not enough. As Chairman, I apologize that the Rai and Limbu communities are not represented in the House from our party this time. I assure you that in the future, we will prioritize this key link of inclusivity.

From this hall, you may sit as Ministers tomorrow. But let me be clear: if you use your power to pull the budget only to your own region while letting Karnali, Madhesh, or Sudurpashchim suffer, that is not development. If the whole country develops, Chitwan will not remain undeveloped. Our focus is the whole country, not just specific constituencies. A few bridges or kilometers of pitched road in your district won’t make you legendary. The real indicators are whether a road reached Karnali, whether a hospital was built there, whether a mother died on the way to giving birth, and whether the children of Madhesh have clean water and nutrition. If you only focus on winning the next election by bringing a road to your area, I will have to remind you of the “Right to Recall.” We are fighting for the next generation, not the next election. Whether we win again or not is secondary; what matters is that the next generation must not lose.

I believe in the democratic system and am committed to the current constitution. We know some reforms are needed in the governance structure, but our commitment to the current system is unwavering. History is not made by one man or one party. Leaders of old parties made sacrifices to bring us to this day. We question their mismanagement, but we have no right to disrespect their historical contributions. I thank the old parties and leaders and say: “You wrote history; we will build the future.”

Do not let our victory turn into arrogance. I see some supporters using victory to mock opponents on social media. This is unacceptable. Being a winner means being responsible, not being reckless. It is not a license to attack others. RSP has been under attack for three years and hasn’t had the chance to fully train its members, but your individual conduct reflects on the party. I request all supporters to be extremely responsible on social platforms. This is not just a victory for RSP; it must be a victory for the whole country.

The next five years will not be easy. If anyone thinks this will be a continuation of the same old MP or Ministerial activities, they are wrong. We are standing in a very sensitive time. I thank everyone who worked at all levels of the party. I also want to address the distinction some make between “Directly Elected” and “Proportional Representation” (PR) MPs. I call that discrimination and I don’t want to see it in our party. Everyone played their part.

We are a team. We were brought together by time and circumstances. Personally, we might not like someone’s habits or nature, but we must look at the Constitution, the Parliament rules, and the Party’s statute. Your personal dreams are not the country’s burden, but the country’s dreams are your burden. We must use our wisdom to remain loyal and honest to the nation.

I wish you a successful political future. I thank the voters. I want to reassure the private sector: we will create an environment where you can work without fear. I call upon the Nepali diaspora to bring investment and help build the nation. I tell the international community: Nepal is safe for investment. You will be protected by policy, not by individual leaders.

Our universities must transform, industries must run, and employment must be created. To those who worry that the country is in the hands of new people or that democracy is at risk, I say: “The country is in good hands. We will handle it with care.” We will handle the people’s mandate with love, compassion, and alertness. We will establish new standards of good governance and work day and night for economic prosperity.

Thank you for your presence, this victory, and your commitment. Victory to you all, victory to the nation, victory to the Bell.

(This article is an excerpt from a speech delivered on March 18 by Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane at an orientation program for the party’s lawmakers, held in Lalitpur.)