KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to amend its party statute through a central committee meeting in order to elect the parliamentary party leader in the upcoming House of Representatives.
The move comes after the party earlier decided to nominate senior leader Balen Shah as its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the House of Representatives election held on March 5.
According to party leaders, the statute amendment will be endorsed in a central committee meeting to be held after the Election Commission Nepal formally publishes the final election results. The meeting is expected to endorse Shah as the parliamentary party leader.
Under the party’s current statute, only the elected parliamentary party leader is eligible to become prime minister.
The party is also preparing to convene a secretariat meeting, possibly on Friday or Saturday, to discuss the amendment proposal before forwarding it to the central committee for approval.
However, RSP leaders have not yet confirmed the exact dates of the central committee and secretariat meetings. Party chair Rabi Lamichhane is currently resting due to seasonal fever and cold, which has delayed internal discussions.
Party leaders said informal consultations are underway between Lamichhane and Shah regarding the timing of the meetings and the agenda, including the statute amendment.
Sources within the party say the central committee is unlikely to face internal opposition to endorsing Shah as parliamentary party leader and prime ministerial candidate.
Division of responsibilities within party and government
RSP Vice-chair Dol Prasad Aryal has already indicated that Lamichhane will continue to lead the party while Shah is expected to lead the government.
According to party leaders, the understanding follows a seven-point agreement reached earlier between RSP leadership and Shah. The agreement envisions Lamichhane focusing on strengthening the party organization while Shah handles the responsibilities of government leadership.
Shishir Khanal, who was among the signatories to the agreement, has also said the arrangement is unlikely to change.
Party sources say Lamichhane is not expected to join the cabinet in the initial phase, as he will focus on expanding the party’s organizational structure across the country.
“The chairman will concentrate on strengthening the party organization, while the government will be led by Shah,” a party official said. “The party still needs to expand its presence in all 77 districts and establish committees down to the ward level.”
Consultations on cabinet formation
Meanwhile, Shah has reportedly begun informal consultations with party leaders and experts on the structure and priorities of the upcoming government.
Discussions are ongoing regarding how the new government should operate and the extent of cooperation with other political parties. Shah is also said to be reviewing potential candidates for cabinet positions.
According to party insiders, discussions are underway on whether ministers should be selected only from among elected lawmakers or whether non-parliamentarians with expertise should also be included.
Some leaders, including Shah and vice-chair Swarnim Wagle, have reportedly suggested appointing technocrats as ministers to ensure more effective governance.
Party sources also say there have been discussions about continuing current Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal in the same role by appointing him to the National Assembly through presidential nomination.
However, no formal decision has been made on the matter.
Plan for smaller cabinet
Shah is also expected to form a relatively smaller cabinet aimed at improving efficiency and delivery.
Party leaders say the new government could consist of around 15 to 20 ministers, significantly below the constitutional limit of 25 members allowed under the Constitution of Nepal.
According to Shah’s secretariat, discussions between Lamichhane and Shah have already reached a broad understanding that the cabinet will remain compact and focused on ministries capable of delivering tangible results.
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