RSP prepares for first general convention amid leadership management discussions

KATHMANDU: Preparations for the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), scheduled to begin on June 21 in Chitwan, have intensified, with internal discussions emerging over leadership management and organizational balance.

According to party leaders, the convention is expected to test the coordination between party chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen Shah factions, particularly in managing leadership roles and internal representation.

Party leaders, however, maintain that RSP remains unified and that there are no formal factions within the organisation.

RSP co-general secretary Bipin Acharya said the party has moved beyond factional politics and is focused on internal democracy and merit-based selection of leadership positions.

He added that the convention will send a message of unity, inclusiveness and democratic participation.

According to party sources, senior leader Balen Shah has assigned party management responsibilities to general secretary Bhupdev Shah, who is currently overseeing organisational coordination at the district level.

Bhupdev Shah is reportedly conducting district-level visits to strengthen party unity and prepare for leadership allocation during the convention. However, he has denied claims of faction-based coordination, stating that the party is not divided into groups.

Party insiders suggest that preparations are underway to ensure appropriate representation of leaders in key positions, including the central committee and secretariat structures.

The report also suggests that preparations are underway to structure key party positions, including potential adjustments in the number of general secretaries in the party framework, although no official confirmation has been made.

Leaders associated with Shah are said to be working to ensure continued influence in party structures after the convention.

Meanwhile, some reports indicate that Lamichhane’s faction currently holds stronger representation at the district level, with a majority of district chair positions reportedly aligned with his side.

Party leaders, however, reject claims of factionalism, stating that the RSP remains a unified political force and that leadership selection will be based on democratic processes and qualifications during the convention.