Rastriya Swatantra Party Leaders Finalize Cabinet Picks Amidst Ongoing Discussions

Kathmandu. Rabi Lamichhane, Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and senior leader Balen Shah are engaged in selecting ministers.

Senior leader Shah was elected as the leader of the parliamentary party only on Thursday. Following this, the two leaders have been busy with the groundwork for ministerial appointments.

Balen is scheduled to take the oath of office as Prime Minister on Friday. However, as the ministries and ministers have not yet been finalized, Chairman Lamichhane and senior leader Shah are holding internal discussions aiming to conclude the ministerial selection today itself, according to one leader.

According to that leader, discussions are ongoing regarding whether to keep the number of ministries at 18 or reduce it to 16. Discussions are also underway regarding who will become ministers.

'The responsibility for reducing the number of ministries and selecting ministers has been given to the Chairman and the senior leader. A conclusion has not been reached yet. It might be finalized late tonight. The two leaders are currently in discussions,' that leader told Ratopati.

After the newly elected members took the oath of office and secrecy at the Parliament Building in Singha Durbar during the afternoon, Rabi and Balen went to the central office in Banasthali to participate in the central committee and parliamentary party meetings.

In the meeting, Chairman Rabi's proposal to make Balen the party leader was unanimously approved. During the meeting, Rabi asked for trust in the leadership. He assured that ministers would be selected based on expertise, capability, and inclusivity.

'There was no discussion about minister selection in the meeting. The Chairman's proposal to make Balen the party leader was passed unanimously,' another member said, 'He told us to trust the leadership. We will finalize the ministers by making all arrangements.'

Although Rabi and Balen have been in discussions at a hotel in Kathmandu for a week, they have not reached a conclusion. Central committee member Bhupdev Shah stated that discussions are underway for the ministers to take the oath along with the Prime Minister tomorrow.

'Discussions are ongoing between the two regarding reducing the number of ministries and selecting ministers. It should be finalized by tonight,' he said.

Similarly, female leaders have suggested including at least six women in the cabinet. One female leader informed that suggestions were made to ensure 33 percent female participation based on geography and work efficiency.

If 33 percent representation in the government cannot be achieved, they have demanded that they be given the chairmanship of parliamentary committees. 'There must be 33 percent women in every body of the state. We have suggested including at least six female members in the upcoming cabinet of 18 ministers,' that member said.

While Dr. Swarnim Wagle is confirmed for the Finance Ministry, other ministries have not been finalized. According to RSP sources, there is a possibility of Shishir Khanal for Foreign Affairs and Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa for Health.

There is disagreement between DP Aryal and Sunil Lamsal for the Home Minister position. Furthermore, as there are many aspirants for the Speaker and other ministries, leaders have expressed doubt that the cabinet will be fully formed by tomorrow.