16 leaders from Balen’s camp opt out of RSP central race

KATHMANDU: Sixteen leaders who joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) from Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s side have decided not to contest for Central Committee positions.

Following a political agreement between RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and then-Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah ahead of the elections, a total of 26 leaders from Balendra’s faction were integrated into the party.

While some of them have already been elected as Members of Parliament and others have filed nominations for Central Committee posts, 16 leaders have chosen not to participate in the internal contest.

Those not filing candidacies include Sunil Lamsal, Bhupdev Shah, Laxman Tharu, Ganesh Poudel, Santosh Giri, Sarita Gyawali, James Karki, Laxmi Bardewa, Anantaraj Ghimire, Ram Kumar Dhungana, Pradeep Gyawali, Madhusudan Dhakal, Ojaswi Thapa, Aditya Acharya, Pradeep Pandey, and Khemraj Saud. Sudhan Gurung, who was elected from RSP and later served as Home Minister, has also not filed his candidacy.

At the final meeting before the general convention, President Rabi Lamichhane reportedly said that equal competition between new entrants and long-time active members could be unfair.

A leader from the Balendra faction said the upcoming general convention is being viewed as a unity convention, with an understanding that the group will not present itself as a separate faction.

According to him, several leaders from the group are expected to enter the Central Committee through nomination.

Within the group, Sunil Lamsal has staked a claim for the Vice-President post, while Bhupdev Shah has sought the General Secretary position. Party leaders indicate both may be accommodated through nominated quotas.

According to the proposed statute, the RSP Central Committee will consist of 136 members, including the Chair.

Of these, 99 will be elected through the general convention, while the remaining members will be nominated by the Chair.

The party is also preparing to include leaders from various integrated groups, including Bibeksheel Sajha and the Tharuhat movement, through the nomination process.

Rabi Lamichhane has already been elected President, while Prime Minister Balen Shah is expected to take the role of Senior Leader.

The structure includes three Vice-Presidents—one open, one woman, and one nominated.

Swarnim Wagle is currently seen as the frontrunner for the open Vice-Chair position.

Elections are likely for the Women Vice-President, General Secretary, and Joint General Secretary posts, although efforts to build consensus continue.

For the Women Vice-President position, Law Minister Sobita Gautam, Treasurer Lima Adhikari, and General Administration Minister Pratibha Rawal are among the potential contenders. Toshima Karki is also being discussed as a possible candidate for either Vice-Chair or General Secretary.

If consensus is not reached for the General Secretary post, outgoing leaders Kabindra Burlakoti, Bipin Acharya, Shishir Khanal, Manish Jha, Ganesh Parajuli, and Yagyamani Neupane may enter the race.

Through recent statute amendments, the RSP has expanded its office bearer structure from 12 to 19 positions, including President, Senior Leader, three Vice-Presidents, two General Secretaries, five Joint General Secretaries, one Spokesperson, three Deputy Spokespersons, one Treasurer, and two Deputy Treasurers.