KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) held its extended meeting in Sauraha, Chitwan, on Friday and Saturday, releasing a nine-point declaration. Despite winning 21 seats in the House of Representatives in its first election in 2079 BS, the party has yet to hold its first general convention — a matter that has drawn considerable attention and criticism.
Acting Party President DP Aryal maintains that the RSP faces no challenges concerning upcoming elections. He argues that holding a general convention at this stage would be inappropriate, as district, local, and tole-level conventions have not yet taken place nationwide. Aryal insists that it is politically prudent to postpone the general convention until after the elections.
He also stated that the party is open to welcoming leaders who wish to join through alliances or mergers but clarified that there is no need to import leadership from outside since the RSP already has capable leaders within its ranks.
A close confidant of Party President Rabi Lamichhane since the RSP’s formation, Aryal played a key organizational role during the 2079 elections and is once again leading the party’s preparations for the upcoming March 5, 2026 elections.
Citing examples from global politics, he remarked that several leaders in history have won majorities even while in prison and asserted confidently that the RSP is poised to secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming polls.
In this context, Khabarhub spoke briefly with Acting President DP Aryal about the party’s current position and its electoral strategy.
The general convention has been postponed again. Will it be difficult to face the upcoming elections? Will the party still have energy?
Not at all. The general convention up to the provincial level will continue as planned. Delegates for the national convention are chosen only after the provincial conventions. Right now, we have an ad hoc committee, which is authorized to carry out internal voting. The national convention could not be held simply because the process wasn’t completed in time.
We had planned to organize it on February 19, 20 and 21, 2026, but since the groundwork wasn’t finished, we had to postpone it. Now that the government has already announced elections, our focus is to support and cooperate with that process. We will hold the general convention at the appropriate time. For a new party like ours, postponing the convention before the election is politically the correct decision.
How is it “politically correct” not to hold the convention before the election?
Because conventions at the provincial, district, local, and tole levels are yet to be completed. We cannot hold a national convention without finalizing representatives from the lower levels.
Without a general convention, will party leaders and cadres remain motivated for the election?
Yes, definitely. If you look at our recent extended meeting, you’ll see how motivated our leaders and cadres are. They are energized and ready to go into the elections, and they are also excited about holding the general convention afterward.
Was there any suggestion in the extended meeting to hold the general convention before the election?
Yes, some members did suggest holding it earlier. But the majority opinion — based on more than 200 suggestions we received from across the country, even from municipal-level representatives — was to organize the convention after the election. Most believed that focusing on the election first is more strategic and beneficial for the party.
Some leaders have reportedly talked about internal divisions or leaving the party. Is there a risk of a split?
I’ve mentioned this in my report as well. A few individuals may be engaged in such discussions, and some have even left. But if the RSP were truly at risk of splitting, it would never have been established in the first place.
Since our inception, we’ve faced many challenges — from political rivals to relentless media scrutiny. Yet, it is the people’s trust that has kept us going. We are not afraid; we are confident and hopeful because our foundation lies in public support.
There were discussions about bringing in figures like Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, Dhangadhi Mayor Gopi Hamal, and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising into the party. Is that plan still alive?
Our position is clear: all forces that share similar values should come together, whether through alliances or by forming a front. We have been in dialogue with them since the party’s early days.
However, as I’ve said in the report, the RSP should not hand over its leadership to anyone from outside. Just because someone is popular does not mean they should automatically be given the top role. The party’s internal leaders must be respected.
But critics say such figures could lead the election more effectively. What do you say to that?
Anyone who believes they can lead is welcome to step forward — the RSP is open to capable people. But remember, the RSP became the fourth-largest political force in Nepal not by chance, but through hard work and trust.
Look at what we’ve built — from national structures to international networks. My own work speaks for itself. I’ve always learned from people and from constructive criticism. If I’ve made mistakes, I’m open to accountability, but I stand by my record.
If President Rabi Lamichhane has to remain in prison, how will the party manage election leadership?
President Lamichhane himself led the first election in 2079, and I served as his election commander. I also led his second campaign, where his winning margin increased by over 5,000 votes.
We secured 21 seats and even the Deputy Speaker position. So, we are fully capable of leading again. I am confident in my leadership and our team’s capacity. Challenges do not deter us — they strengthen us.
Given the recent allegations against the party president, has public perception of the RSP changed?
Not significantly. Around the world, we’ve seen leaders win elections even while facing legal cases or imprisonment. Such events don’t define a party’s destiny — people’s trust does.
The president’s legal issues are being addressed, and he can return at any time. Our focus is on earning the people’s mandate and winning through the strength of our ideas and organization.
The party’s political report mentions the goal of achieving a majority. Can this electoral system make that possible?
Yes, absolutely. There’s no system that prevents a majority if the people believe in the leadership. When a party is led by honest individuals and guided by integrity, even a two-thirds majority is possible.
We are working to build that trust. Our young members — the Gen Z — are also deeply involved and share our vision. We are preparing to achieve a majority through healthy, transparent political competition.
What kind of strategy is the party pursuing to achieve this?
We are working strategically and systematically. Give us a little time, and you’ll see — the Rastriya Swatantra Party will secure a two-thirds majority in the upcoming elections with full confidence and public support.
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