CHITWAN: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has been repeatedly delayed as disputes over delegate representation and efforts to accommodate various groups continue to dominate proceedings in Chitwan.
The convention, now entering its third day, has faced mounting logistical challenges, with extreme heat affecting delegates and slowing organizational preparations.
The party had planned to begin its closed-door session on Monday, but disagreements over delegate selection forced leaders to postpone the process. Delegate identity cards were only distributed to more than 4,100 representatives starting Tuesday afternoon.
The number of convention delegates has expanded significantly from the initially estimated 2,700 to over 4,100 after party leaders sought to include additional groups and factions.
Several leaders attending the convention had objected to what they described as a unilateral delegate selection process that excluded key stakeholders. The dispute placed increasing pressure on party chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah.
Representatives linked to PM Shah, Home Minister Sudan Gurung, leaders from Tharu and Dalit movements, and former members of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party had reportedly raised concerns about inadequate representation in the delegate list.
Party leader Pradip Chandra Pariyar acknowledged that efforts to project a message of unity through the convention had contributed to the delay.
Former Bibeksheel Sajha leader Ranju Darshana also said the party’s first convention required the integration of all factions and groups.
“As this is the first general convention, it is important to unify all groups. Many procedural requirements had not been completed when preparations began,” she said, adding that the remaining processes had now been finalized by the party leadership.
Party leaders spent Monday attempting to resolve delegate-related disputes after concerns emerged from representatives across several provinces. When the central committee failed to reach a consensus, Lamichhane, Shah, Gurung, and former Bibeksheel Sajha leaders became directly involved in finalizing the delegate list.
Despite assurances from the leadership, some delegates have continued to complain that the closed session is being launched without adequate preparation.
According to party leader Ganesh Parajuli, delegate cards are currently being distributed and the closed session is scheduled to begin at 1 pm on Tuesday.
Six reports to be tabled
The closed session will discuss six key reports that have already been finalized by party leaders.
Chairperson Lamichhane is scheduled to present the political report, while Deputy Chair and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle will table an economic and political policy paper.
The convention will also hear a report from the party’s disciplinary commission, which will be presented by Ramakanta Rimal.
Treasurer Lima Adhikari will present the financial report, while General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti will table the organizational report. Co-General Secretary Bipin Acharya will present the statute amendment committee report, marking the party’s fourth amendment to its statute.
Party leaders say discussions and endorsement of all six reports are necessary before moving ahead with elections, raising doubts about whether voting can begin on Tuesday as planned.
Election process expected after closed session
General Secretary Burlakoti said preparations are underway to launch the election process immediately after the closed session concludes.
“The delegates are eager to select a new leadership once the party’s policies are endorsed. We are working to complete the election process as soon as possible,” he said.
The party plans to seek consensus on positions where possible, while contested posts will be decided through elections.
The first phase of voting is expected to cover the party chairperson and central committee members. Lamichhane is expected to seek re-election as chairperson and could be re-elected unopposed if no challenger files a candidacy.
Leaders say more candidates are likely to announce their bids for central committee positions after the closed session concludes.
Pressure to include Gen-Z leaders
Meanwhile, Home Minister Sudan Gurung has urged the leadership to ensure that a majority of members nominated by the party chairperson belong to the Gen-Z age group.
Gurung has also called for the inclusion of activists involved in the September 23–24 movement and reportedly submitted a list of recommended names to Lamichhane and Shah.
According to party insiders, more than 40 percent of the 51 individuals proposed for nomination belong to the Gen-Z generation.
The issue was discussed extensively among Gurung, Shah and Lamichhane on Monday evening, with party leaders facing pressure to ensure that future nominations reflect inclusiveness, proportional representation and broader participation from different social groups.
The RSP plans to elect a 99-member central committee. Of those, 51 members will be nominated directly by the party chairperson, while the presidents of all seven provincial committees will serve as ex-officio members. The party is also expected to form a 33-member secretariat, including around 19 office bearers.
Party leaders insist they are working continuously to conclude the convention by Wednesday, although further delays remain possible if election procedures cannot begin on Tuesday.
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