Rastriya Swatantra Party Inaugurates First National Convention in Chitwan

Chitwan. The ruling party Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) grandly inaugurated its first national convention on Sunday in Chitwan.

Party President Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah inaugurated the convention by ringing a bell at the Guest House ground in front of the District Police Office.

During the inauguration ceremony, invited guests also jointly rang the bell, and the attendees of the convention welcomed it with applause. The RSP, which led the government after achieving unprecedented results in the House of Representatives elections held last February, saw the presence of Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa, UML leader Pradip Gyawali, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Barsaman Pun, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, Janamat Party Chairman Dr. CK Raut, and JSP Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav at its convention.

The main center of attraction at the inauguration ceremony was President Rabi and senior leader Balen. After being adjusted into the party, Balen, who has rarely been seen in party activities, was a subject of much interest regarding whether he would participate in the convention and whether he would address it.

While sitting on the stage, Rabi and Balen were seen whispering to each other, which the audience watched with curiosity. Some interesting scenes were also witnessed during the convention's opening session.

Rabi and Balen's Dummies

Bishnu Ghimire from Rupandehi came to the convention dressed as Balen. Alongside him was another youth dressed as Rabi. Both refused to reveal their identities. Finally, Balen's dummy replied that he was a fan of Balen and was imitating his getup.

Rabi's dummy refused to respond. Seeing dummy Rabi and Balen together, there was a scramble for photos. However, from the audience below, dummy Rabi-Balen were observing the real Rabi and Balen.

Mohi's Allure

A scene of scrambling to get mohi (buttermilk) distributed by Shri Ganganagar Dairy Producers Cooperative Institution at the convention venue was also interesting. Due to the extreme heat, the demand for mohi and yogurt had increased. That mohi was distributed to leaders and convention representatives alike.

Heat and Rain

The inauguration ceremony started two hours late due to the venue being waterlogged because of rain. Before the stage management work was completed, rain that came on Saturday evening had submerged the program venue. Even after using a motor to pump out the water, it did not dry up, so crusher chips were brought and spread.

Among the guests who came to convey their best wishes for the program, most received a welcome from RSP supporters, while some protested when UML leader Pradip Gyawali spoke. RSP leaders and cadres responded that positive suggestions came from former Prime Minister Bhattarai, CK Raut, Barsaman Pun, and Gagan Thapa.