CHITWAN: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has seen several prominent leaders opting out of contesting key central committee positions, while internal discussions continue over nominations and senior roles.
Party insiders say General Secretary Bhupdev Shah, Physical Infrastructure Minister Sunil Lamsal, Home Minister Sudan Gurung, and close aide of party chair Rabi Lamichhane, Pramod Neupane, did not file candidacies for central committee posts. They are expected to be accommodated through nomination quotas following consensus at the top leadership level.
According to the party secretariat, Chair Lamichhane is preparing to nominate these leaders to senior positions after their absence from the electoral race for central roles.
Sources claim Sunil Lamsal is likely to be appointed vice-chair, Bhupdev Shah is set to become general secretary, and Pramod Neupane may be named party spokesperson. Although discussions had suggested Neupane might be nominated as a central member before being made spokesperson, he has reportedly not confirmed acceptance of the role.
Home Minister Sudan Gurung is expected to be included in the central committee along with a role in the party secretariat, possibly as co-general secretary or secretary, according to sources. His nomination is said to be nearly finalised.
RSP currently has three vice-chair positions, one of which is filled through nomination by the party chair. Dr Swarnim Wagle is expected to continue in one of the vice-chair roles, while Sobita Gautam and current treasurer Lima Adhikari are also in the race for leadership positions. Party insiders say Adhikari may be elevated to vice-chair if she first secures a central committee seat.
Under the party statute, the chair has the authority to appoint one general secretary and a spokesperson. Bhupdev Shah is likely to be nominated as general secretary, while Pramod Neupane is expected to be chosen as spokesperson.
The party is also planning to bring Sudhan Gurung into the secretariat, along with other Gen-Z activists involved in the September 8 and 9, 2025, protests, who may be appointed to central or secretariat roles.
Meanwhile, competition for the open general secretary post has intensified, with several senior leaders expressing interest. Current spokesperson Manish Jha, co-general secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya, and incumbent general secretary Kavindra Burlakoti are among those in the race.
While party leaders are attempting to reach consensus on key positions, the large number of aspirants for the general secretary post has increased the likelihood of an internal election. Some leaders believe agreement may still be reached through negotiations, particularly as Burlakoti is currently serving as chief whip and may step aside.
However, Bipin Acharya and Manish Jha remain strong contenders. Acharya is reportedly backed by the party leadership for the general secretary position, while Jha has indicated he prefers to test his mandate through an internal election process.
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