RSP Convention to Elect 158 Central Members, Up to 19 Office Bearers

KATHMANDU — The Rastriya Swatantra Party is preparing to select 158 central members and 18 to 19 office bearers through its first general convention, scheduled to begin in Chitwan on Sunday.

The convention, being held four years after the party’s establishment, is also expected to form a 28- to 30-member secretariat.

According to party insiders, the proposed statute is likely to give party chair Rabi Lamichhane significant authority in filling several key posts. Of the 158 central members, Lamichhane is expected to directly nominate 51 members, while seven provincial chairs will also be included in the central committee. The remaining 100 members will be elected.

A proposal had earlier suggested that the party’s 182 lawmakers should automatically become central members. However, some leaders argued that assigning both parliamentary and party organizational responsibilities to the same individuals could create complications in performance and accountability.

Pradip Chandra Pariyar, a member of the statute drafting task force, said lawmakers could still be elected or selected to the central committee and secretariat. He clarified that the party was only trying to avoid a provision that would make all lawmakers automatic central members.

Other major parties are also closely watching the first general convention of the party. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said major political parties had been invited to the opening session. According to him, the convention will try to deliver a message of unity.

Burlakoti said the party would seek consensus wherever possible, but would not prevent anyone from contesting. He said many leaders had naturally shown interest in central committee posts, especially as the party had expanded rapidly and needed to accommodate leaders from different backgrounds.

Several senior figures are expected to have secure positions ahead of the convention. Balendra Shah is likely to be nominated directly by party chair Lamichhane as senior leader and will not need to contest an election.

Lamichhane himself is expected to continue as party chair, as no major challenger has emerged against him. However, he will still have to contest for central committee membership, where he is expected to win comfortably.

Dr. Swarnim Wagle is also considered likely to remain in a secure position as vice-chair. He will, however, have to contest the central committee election before assuming the office-bearer role.

Among the three vice-chair positions, one is expected to be selected by Lamichhane. Leaders say Ganesh Parajuli could be his preferred choice. However, if Balendra Shah seeks a vice-chair from his side, Lamichhane may choose Sunil Lamsal instead.

One of the vice-chair positions is expected to be reserved for a woman. Several leaders are aspiring for the position, but if the party moves toward consensus, Lima Adhikari is seen as a strong possibility.

Other names discussed for senior positions include Samiksha Baskota, Pratibha Rawal, Sobita Gautam and Ranju Darshana. However, some of them currently hold government or parliamentary responsibilities, which may affect their placement in the party structure.

Bhupdev Shah is considered almost certain to become one of the party’s general secretaries. Among those being discussed for the general secretary post to be chosen by the chair are Bipin Acharya and current spokesperson Manish Jha.

Of the five joint general secretary posts, two are expected to be selected by the chair. Pradip Chandra Pariyar is seen as a strong contender for one of the open joint general secretary positions. Other names under discussion include Toshima Karki, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Shishir Khanal.

For the spokesperson’s role, Pramod Neupane and Deepak Bohara are among the names being discussed. There is also a possibility that Manish Jha could continue as spokesperson or be given the responsibility of treasurer if consensus is reached.

The chair is also expected to select two deputy treasurers and three deputy spokespersons. Names discussed for these positions include Nisha Dangi, Laxman Tharu, Rima Bishwakarma and Khagendra Sunuwar.

Balendra Shah’s political adviser Asim Shah is also being discussed for an office-bearer position. Yagyamani Neupane is another name being considered for a joint general secretary or deputy spokesperson role.

Leaders close to Balendra Shah, including Sunil Lamsal, Sasmit Pokharel and Sudan Gurung, may also be accommodated in the secretariat. Names such as Ranju Darshana and Ashika Tamang have also been discussed among possible members to be nominated by Lamichhane.

Party leaders say efforts are underway to select most office bearers through consensus. Since the proposed statute is expected to give Lamichhane authority to choose several office bearers, remaining positions may also be settled through agreement where possible.

Party joint general secretary Bipin Acharya said the RSP would try to give a message of unity because many leaders from different groups and parties had joined it. However, he said elections could be held in cases where consensus was not possible.

The convention will be held at the Guest House Chaur in Bharatpur, where the opening session will take place inside a German hanger designed to provide protection from sun and rain. The closed session will be held at the exhibition hall of the Chitwan Industry Association.

Organizers said arrangements had been made for more than 5,000 chairs, with additional space to be provided inside the venue. More than 2,500 convention representatives are expected to participate.

The party will provide food and snacks for representatives, while participants will have to pay for their own hotel accommodation. The organizing committee has already contacted more than 1,600 hotel rooms for representatives.

The party is also preparing to conduct voting through an electronic voting system during the convention.