KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party is preparing to form a single-party majority government under Article 76(1) of the Constitution after emerging as the largest force in the House of Representatives.
With a total of 182 seats secured under both direct and proportional systems, the party comfortably crosses the 138-seat threshold required to form a government. While it may need support from other parties for constitutional amendments requiring a two-thirds majority, it faces no obstacle in governing independently.
Senior leader Balen Shah, who is expected to become prime minister between March 23 and 25, is currently engaged in drafting the structure of the new government and finalizing potential Cabinet members.
Pressure to appoint experts
The party, which campaigned on the slogan of selecting capable candidates, is now under pressure to appoint subject experts as ministers.
Discussions have also emerged about appointing non-lawmakers to ministerial positions. However, both party chair Rabi Lamichhane and Shah are reportedly not in favor of the idea at this stage.
Party spokesperson Manish Jha said proposals regarding non-lawmakers have been received but not formally discussed.
“At least 30 leaders have shown interest in joining the government,” he said, adding that a decision will be made after internal deliberations.
Shah is preparing to form a relatively small Cabinet of 15 to 20 ministers, despite the constitutional provision allowing up to 25 members, including state ministers.
Sources say priority will be given to key ministries such as Home, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Communications, and Education. Other ministries may be handled with limited portfolios.
The party is also considering leadership placements in the Speaker and Deputy Speaker positions, though the Deputy Speaker post may be offered to another party.
Internal lobbying intensifies
As government formation nears, lobbying within the party has intensified, with around 30 leaders competing for ministerial roles, as well as positions such as Speaker and Deputy Speaker.
Among the prominent contenders are Vice Chair Dol Prasad Aryal, economist Swarnim Wagle, and leaders including Shishir Khanal, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Tosima Karki, Sobita Gautam, and Indira Rana Magar.
Other aspirants include Amaresh Kumar Singh, Hari Dhakal, Ashika Tamang, Sunil Lamsal, and Om Prakash Aryal.
The current caretaker government has recommended Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal for a vacant National Assembly seat. The recommendation awaits approval from President Ram Chandra Paudel.
If endorsed, Aryal is likely to be reappointed as Home Minister in the new government, though no official confirmation has been made.
Leadership in constant consultation
Sources say Shah and Lamichhane are in continuous discussions regarding government formation and Cabinet selection.
Despite internal competition, the party leadership has urged members to refrain from lobbying for positions. However, interest in ministerial roles continues to grow.
The RSP’s ability to balance internal expectations while delivering on its reform agenda will be closely watched as it prepares to lead what could become one of the most powerful governments in Nepal’s recent history.
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