RSP is not anti-federalism, says Manish Jha, heading to UK for week-long visit

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Manish Jha has said his party is not opposed to federalism.

Speaking at a program in Janakpur, he made clear that the RSP wants to make the federal structure tighter and more effective. He said federalism would be strengthened by advancing the concept of a provincial assembly and provincial council, adding that no further clarification on federalism is needed.

He recalled that the RSP had received a large number of votes in Madhes in the last election, and urged party members to stay united and build a favorable environment for the party ahead of the upcoming local-level election. He said infighting and false accusations within their own ranks would get them nowhere, stressing that such tendencies within the Madhesi community must end. He said decent politics grounded in education, ideas and values is needed.

Meanwhile, Jha, who also heads the RSP's foreign department, is traveling to the United Kingdom from October 30 to November 6. Pawan Sharma, chair of the RSP Diaspora Contact Department in the UK, announced the visit, which Jha confirmed. According to department general secretary Krishna Luitel, a meeting and interaction program will be held in East London on Sunday, November 1.

During the visit, Jha will take part in programs organized by the Nepali community in the UK and hold discussions with Nepali business owners. He is also expected to observe the UK parliament and attend a program at the Nepali embassy in London.