KATHMANDU: The first general convention of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is set to begin in Chitwan on June 21.
Established on June 21, 2022, the party has decided to allow leaders to contest Central Committee elections independently in an effort to discourage factional politics during its first national convention.
The party, which secured 21 seats in the 2018 elections, has emerged as one of the country’s most discussed political forces after winning 182 seats in the 2025 elections. As a result, political observers and rival parties are closely watching the RSP’s first general convention. While traditional parties continue to claim that factionalism is growing within the RSP, its leaders insist that the party remains united.
Joint General Secretary Bipin Acharya said the party has created an environment in which all eligible members can participate in the Central Committee elections in accordance with the party statute.
According to him, candidates will contest the Central Committee elections independently. Party Treasurer Lima Adhikari also stated that leaders will be free to run individually for Central Committee positions.
“It appears that many leaders are interested in joining the Central Committee. We do not prevent any eligible member from contesting, as long as they meet the requirements outlined in the party statute. Since the Secretariat leadership is selected after the Central Committee elections, efforts are being made to reach consensus on as many positions as possible,” Adhikari told Khabarhub.
“Once leaders are given the opportunity to contest for the Central Committee as prescribed by the statute, the party can properly practice the democratic process. More than 2,500 delegates are expected to participate in the general convention, and around 500 individuals are aspiring to become Central Committee members.”
Party leader Pramod Neupane also said it is natural for 400 to 500 aspirants to emerge for Central Committee positions during the party’s first general convention. Having worked closely in the secretariat of party president Rabi Lamichhane, Neupane said the high level of interest reflects the party’s rapid growth.
“Nearly 500 people are likely to compete for Central Committee membership,” he said. “Even though many have been associated with the party for a long time, not everyone will be eligible to contest under the provisions of the statute. The Secretariat leadership must make the necessary arrangements. We are all well-wishers of the party, and the current situation reflects the enthusiasm among members.”
The RSP has already completed its ward, local-level, and district conventions and is currently in the final phase of provincial conventions. Disputes and disagreements have also surfaced during district and provincial conventions. In some areas, leaders have formed panels despite the party’s stated objective of discouraging factional politics.
District-level outcomes indicate that many leaders aligned with the establishment faction, often associated with Rabi Lamichhane, have secured leadership positions. In a few districts, leaders linked to the Bibeksheel Sajha and Balen Shah camps have also been elected. However, General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti maintains that the conventions have not been faction-driven.
Meanwhile, General Secretary Bhupdev Shah dismissed allegations of factionalism, arguing that the party is still in the process of institutional development. He said the party would emerge stronger after completing its first general convention.
“The party is still in the process of formation,” Shah said while visiting districts. “Even though we are participating in government, there are many theoretical, practical, and ideological issues that still need clarity within the party.”
“This historic general convention will help resolve those issues. It will strengthen the party and expand its presence across the country. We will continue building the party at the grassroots level in a manner that honors the trust and support given to us by the people.”
Chair Lamichhane, senior leader Balen Shah
The proposed statute of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has yet to be formally endorsed by the party Secretariat. According to Bipin Acharya, coordinator of the committee drafting the statute amendment, the revised statute includes a provision for a senior leader position within the party structure.
RSP General Secretary Burlakoti said there is little likelihood of any challenge to the positions of party Chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah.
“The party is not in a position to look for alternatives to either the president or the senior leader,” Burlakoti said. “None of the Secretariat leaders appear to be aspiring to those positions. At this stage, Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah remain the only viable choices.”
Samiksha Baskota, who joined the party from Bibeksheel Sajha, also said there is no alternative to Lamichhane for the presidency or to Balendra Shah for the position of senior leader.
Although leaders associated with the Balen camp have not publicly stated that Lamichhane will continue as president, General Secretary Bhupdev Shah acknowledged that reality.
“The party has not yet held its first general convention, and Lamichhane has played a historic role in bringing the party to this point,” Baskota told Khabarhub. “No one is in a position to challenge his leadership. He is the person who transformed the party into the country’s largest political force.”
She added that Balendra Shah had also worked tirelessly to elevate the party and that there was no serious discussion within the party about replacing either leader.
Secretariat member Sarita Gyawali likewise said there is no support within the leadership for replacing either Lamichhane or Shah.
“There is no need to debate the positions of president and senior leader,” she said. “There are established processes for all other positions.”
Similarly, no significant voices within the party have advocated replacing Vice Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle.
According to the draft statute, the party is expected to form a 129-member Central Committee. The party president will have the authority to nominate an additional 22 members, while provincial chairpersons will also serve on the Central Committee.
Although the size of the committee may increase, party leaders say the total number of Central Committee members is unlikely to exceed 200. With the general convention approaching, around 400 to 500 leaders are reportedly seeking Central Committee membership.
Efforts underway for consensus in the Secretariat
The party leadership is expected to pursue consensus for most Secretariat positions. Along with the president and senior leader, efforts are being made to select vice presidents, general secretaries, joint general secretaries, and other office-bearers through agreement rather than contest.
The statute allows the party president to appoint the treasurer and deputy treasurer, and leaders indicate that this provision is likely to remain unchanged.
The RSP statute provides for three vice presidents, including at least one woman. Current Vice President Dr. Swarnim Wagle is expected to continue in his position. Party insiders say Rabi Lamichhane is considering elevating current General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti to a vice-presidential role.
Among female leaders being discussed for vice-presidential positions are Lima Adhikari, Samiksha Baskota, Dr. Toshima Karki, Basumaya Tamang, and Ranju Darshana. Of these, Ranju Darshana and Lima Adhikari are viewed as particularly strong contenders.
Baskota currently chairs a parliamentary committee, while the party is also considering leadership roles for emerging figures such as Pratibha Rawal, Sobita Gautam, and Basumaya Tamang.
If the statute ultimately provides for a single general secretary, the Balen camp is expected to back Bhupdev Shah. If two general secretary positions are retained, one is likely to go to Bhupdev Shah and the other to a leader aligned with Lamichhane.
Deepak Bohara is considered Lamichhane’s preferred candidate for general secretary. Other names being discussed include party spokesperson Manish Jha and former minister Shishir Khanal. Joint General Secretary Bipin Acharya has also expressed interest in the position.
For the role of party spokesperson, Lamichhane is reportedly considering either Pramod Neupane or Deepak Bohara. Competition has also begun for the positions of deputy spokesperson and joint general secretary.
Approximately 30 to 35 leaders are reportedly seeking positions in the party Secretariat. Among those being discussed are Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Nisha Dangi, Ganesh Parajuli, Ganesh Karki, Samiksha Baskota, Ranju Darshana, Prakash Chandra Pariyar, Basumaya Tamang, Hari Dhakal, Dr. Chanda Karki, Sasmit Pokharel, Sarita Gyawali, Khagendra Pariyar, Araniko Pandey, Sunil Lamsal, Dr. Amaresh Kumar Singh, and Purushottam Yadav.
However, aspiring Secretariat members must first secure election to the Central Committee. Under the party statute, only elected Central Committee members are eligible to contest for positions in the Secretariat.
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