Rastriya Swatantra Party Prepares to Nominate Central Members and Office Bearers

Kathmandu. A month after the general convention, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to nominate the remaining central members and office bearers. The second meeting of the Central Committee, to be held on Wednesday at the central office in Banesthali, is preparing to nominate central members and office bearers.

The agenda of the meeting, issued by General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, includes a comprehensive review of the general convention, formulation and amendment of necessary procedures, organizational management and nominations, operation of upcoming campaigns and programs, and miscellaneous matters.

According to the RSP's statute, the chairman has the authority to nominate 51 central members. However, General Secretary Acharya informed that the central committee will not be fully formed through Wednesday's meeting.

“There is a low possibility that this central committee meeting will nominate all central members. All parties that have come into the unity process need to be accommodated through nominations. Further homework is needed for that. The meeting might nominate some office bearers and members,” Acharya told Ratopati.

The statute, passed with amendments at the general convention, provides for a 158-member central committee including 18 office bearers. The first general convention, held in Chitwan from Asar 7 to 12, elected seven office bearers including the chairman and 99 central members. The remaining 51 are yet to be nominated. RSP has not included senior leaders as office bearers. One vice-chairman, one general secretary, one spokesperson, three deputy spokespersons, two joint general secretaries, one treasurer, and two joint treasurers are yet to be nominated. To become an office bearer in RSP, one must be a central member. Therefore, the meeting must first nominate central members to form the office bearers.

At the general convention, Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Vice Chairman Dr. Swarnim Wagle, and Sobita Gautam were elected through direct voting by delegates. Bipin Acharya was elected as the General Secretary, and Asim Shah, Hari Dhakal, and Nisha Dangi were elected as the three joint general secretaries.

According to an RSP leader, the delay in expanding the central committee is due to the Balen Shah group, who are the Prime Minister, not providing the list of nominees.

“Although we claim to be a smart party, it takes time to accommodate all factions. The first general convention was also a convention of unity, so we are trying to work with time,” the leader said. “The list from Balen and others from the unity process has not yet arrived. Once the list comes from there, we will quickly complete the central committee by considering geography, inclusivity, and capability.”

According to sources, an agreement of 60-40 has been attempted among the nominated central members. The Balen group had insisted on nominating central members on a 50-50 basis. Sources claim that Chairman Rabi and Prime Minister Balen are in constant discussion regarding the nomination of office bearers and central members. However, it is understood that an agreement has been reached for the Balen group to receive 20 central members. The Balen group has been given the responsibility of accommodating all factions, including the Genji and Tharu groups. Apart from senior leaders, the Balen group is understood to have claims on one vice-chairman, one general secretary, two joint general secretaries, one deputy spokesperson, and two joint treasurers.

Possibility of Sudhan as Vice Chairman

Balen Shah himself is the undisputed senior leader. Although the statute allows for two or more senior leaders, leaders say the statute was amended for him. Meanwhile, it is understood that Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has a strong possibility for the position of one vice-chairman. Sunil Lamsal, a confidant of Balen, also has a claim for this post. Sources claim that Chairman Rabi is positive about making Gurung the vice-chairman rather than Lamsal, who is the Minister of Physical Infrastructure.

“Many in the party ranks have suggested that Sudhan should be made the vice-chairman. Making him vice-chairman will also make the office bearers inclusive. He has acted as a catalyst in bringing Rabi and Balen together, so Sudhan has a strong chance of becoming vice-chairman. If he is appointed, Rabi and Balen will not disagree,” the source said.

Competition between Bhupdev and Sudeep for General Secretary

For the general secretary position allocated to the Balen group, there is a competition between former General Secretary Bhupdev Shah and central member Sudeep Dhakal. Shah was Balen's private secretary when Balen was the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, while Dhakal was the Information Technology and Good Governance Advisor. After Shah was defeated in the House of Representatives elections from Achham-2 in February, RSP made him General Secretary for management. The party had amended the statute for Shah to have two general secretaries. However, it is understood that Prime Minister Balen is dissatisfied with him for playing a role in ensuring Rabi's faction won at the general convention. Especially due to the conflict between Balen's advisor Kumar Ben and Shah, his chances of becoming general secretary are weak, according to a leader close to Balen.

“Balenji does not seem satisfied with Bhupdev Shah's role. There is a strong possibility that Sudeep Dhakal will become the General Secretary. However, a firm decision has not yet been made on who will be made the General Secretary,” the leader said.

According to the leader, if Dhakal does not wish to become General Secretary, he has the possibility of becoming a joint general secretary and heading the organization department.

“According to the statute, the joint general secretary leads the organization department. Previously, when Mukul Dhakal was the General Secretary, the responsibility of the organization department was given to joint general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti. If Sudeep does not become General Secretary, he has the possibility of becoming the head of the organization department,” the leader said.

Lima to Not Continue as Treasurer

Central member Pramod Neupane has a strong possibility of becoming the party spokesperson. Leaders say that former spokesperson Manish Jha, who was defeated in the general secretary election, has refused to continue in the same post, strengthening Neupane's chances. Meanwhile, former treasurer Lima Adhikari has also refused to continue in the same post.

“The chairman is insisting that I should be the treasurer. The party was small before. A lot of hard work was done. Now the party has grown. I have asked to continue in the same post. I will accept if it is a political position,” Adhikari said.