Bipin Acharya has been a key member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party since its inception, managing the party’s organizational affairs. He did not contest the 2022 elections directly, nor was he on the proportional representation list.
In 2026, the party placed him at the top of the Khas Arya quota on the proportional representation list. Acharya chose to withdraw and instead ran in the direct election from Dang-2, where he defeated CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel in a decisive victory.
Close to Chair Rabi Lamichhane, Acharya could be considered for a ministerial position in the Balendra Shah-led government. However, he emphasized that his focus is on fulfilling the responsibilities assigned by the party, not seeking posts or perks.
He expressed confidence that Shah would become prime minister by March but declined to comment on whether Shah would last the full five years as prime minister. When asked about Lamichhane’s role in the party, he remained reserved. Other party leaders, however, suggest there is broad consensus that Lamichhane will focus on party leadership rather than joining the cabinet.
Reflecting on the party’s near two-thirds majority, Acharya described the result as “unexpected” and stressed the weight of the public’s trust. “This is a huge responsibility,” he said. “The affection, expectations, and trust of voters come with great responsibility. If we treat it lightly, we will fail the people.”
He reaffirmed that the Rastriya Swatantra Party will carry out its duties without compromising its manifesto and is already planning its next strategies. “Work must come above personal ambition,” he said. “If we fail to fulfill our promises to the people, how can we face them next time?”
Acharya also clarified that the Shram Sanskriti Party under Harka Sampang is not yet in a position to cooperate with his party. In this interview, he speaks about election results, the upcoming government, potential alliances, and the party’s roadmap for the future.
EXCERPTS:
Congratulations on winning a near two-thirds majority. How do you plan to move forward?
We have already outlined the kind of work we will do in our manifesto, and we will stick to that. Starting from February 19, we will begin activities in line with our publicly announced commitments. Essential tasks and promises in the manifesto will be addressed first.
Did you expect to win a near two-thirds majority?
A party that feels the affection of citizens naturally has expectations, but we didn’t anticipate such a large mandate with this level of responsibility. We had hoped for more seats than before, but this result goes beyond what we imagined.
So was it a surprise for you?
We hadn’t counted the numbers to this extent. We knew citizens would support us and that people wanted change, but we didn’t expect so many direct seats. The people have shown unprecedented trust in us under this constitution, and we have no room to disappoint them.
Did the result feel like a heavy responsibility?
Absolutely. The love and trust we have received from all corners of the country is no small responsibility. If we fail to take this seriously, we cannot perform our duties. This is a huge responsibility, and we cannot treat it lightly.
What are your next plans? When will the government be formed?
We will proceed carefully, following the legal process. Once proportional representation certificates are issued, the process to form the government will start. We work above personal ambition. Every action we take will be accountable to the citizens. If we fail to fulfill our promises, how can we face them again?
Who will be the next prime minister? Can you clarify as a co-minister of the party?
The next prime minister will be Balendra Shah. There has been no dispute within the party about this, neither yesterday nor today. There is no reason for disagreement among colleagues committed to nation-building.
Has there been any internal conflict over power balance in the party?
We will fulfill the mandate given to us by the people. We will not allow disputes, infighting, or power struggles within the party. Every promise we made to the citizens will be honored fully. There has been no disagreement within the party, contrary to external claims.
When will the Central Committee meet?
The proportional representation certificates have been distributed, and we will schedule the Central Committee meeting to formalize the selection of Balendra as parliamentary leader. We aim to complete this by Sunday.
So, will the new government be formed by March?
Yes, it is linked to the parliamentary secretariat’s schedule. If the secretariat acts promptly, the party will not delay. Likely, the government will be formed by March 28, though some procedural adjustments may occur.
Is forming the cabinet a challenge?
It is a challenging but welcome task because all candidates are highly capable. Choosing the right people from among the right candidates is a positive challenge.
Are you yourself a contender for a ministerial position?
I am ready to take on any responsibility assigned by the party. I am not seeking a ministerial post. I am just becoming a member of parliament and have many duties to fulfill.
This is your first time contesting directly. Can you share your experience?
Direct elections have a unique experience. I felt the affection, blessings, and trust of citizens firsthand for the first time. Seeing this love and confidence in the people’s eyes was emotional and a huge responsibility. It motivates me to work harder to meet expectations.
The party has completed orientation. How will you present yourselves in parliament?
Two days of orientation is only the beginning. There is much to learn, study, and work on. This is just the start.
Q: Is cooperation with Harka Sampang possible on national issues?
At this point, no. Cooperation is possible only when working together for the nation with all citizens who care about the country. Currently, we must work within the government. The public has entrusted the Rastriya Swatantra Party with full responsibility. We aim to advance politics in a civilized manner, following the right track.
What about reducing the size of the cabinet?
We will include only the ministries necessary as per the manifesto. We will avoid unnecessary ministries with limited work. We aim for a lean cabinet. It may not exceed 25 ministries. If we fail to fulfill manifesto promises, how can we ask for votes in the future?
So Balendra Shah will lead the government, and Rabi Lamichhane will run the party?
Probably. But detailed discussions are yet to happen. There is no doubt about the prime minister.
Will this government last the full five years?
The mandate given by the people is clear. We have no practice of showing one face and acting differently. We will follow the mandate and fulfill our promises. The people have entrusted us to take action for nation-building.
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