RSP finalises six convention reports as closed session delayed over delegate dispute

CHITWAN: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has finalised six key reports to be presented in the closed session, with party chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah reportedly giving the documents final shape after hours of discussions.

According to the secretariat, the two leaders held intensive consultations for three to four hours before endorsing the reports, which are now ready for presentation at the convention.

However, despite the completion of the reports, the closed session has been delayed due to unresolved disputes over delegates.

Sources said most issues related to the party secretariat and central committee structure have been settled, but final agreement on delegate representation is still pending.

Party insiders said discussions are ongoing over key positions, including three vice-chairs, two general secretaries, and five deputy general secretaries, as the leadership attempts to push for consensus-based selection.

The reports were finalised during meetings held at Latouli Syangchuri Resort, where Lamichhane and Shah are said to be making final preparations before joining the closed session.

“Once the delegate issue is resolved, the leaders will proceed to the closed session,” a source close to Shah said, adding that technical errors in delegate lists have caused delays.

The political report to be presented by Lamichhane outlines the party’s ideological direction, internal challenges, and experiences since its formation, including references to his personal legal and political struggles.

Party vice-chair and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle will present the economic and political framework document, which has also been finalised after consultations with experts.

Similarly, the disciplinary commission report, organisational report, financial statement, and statute amendment report have all been completed and approved by leadership.

Despite this, the convention remains stalled as representatives have reportedly been waiting for nearly nine hours due to discrepancies in delegate lists, including duplicate names and errors in provincial submissions.

Party spokesperson Manish Jha confirmed that issues in the delegate list have delayed the start of the closed session.

Delegate disputes are a recurring challenge in party conventions across Nepal, often affecting timelines in major political gatherings.