Kathmandu – Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) newly elected President Rabi Lamichhane has consolidated his hold on the party leadership after candidates aligned with him secured most key positions in the office-bearer general elections held during the party’s first National General Convention in Chitwan.
Of the five office-bearers that are elected on Friday, four of them are considered close to Lamichhane while Asim Shah, close ally of Prime Minister and Senior party leader Balen Shah emerged as the only candidate from his camp to secure a senior position, winning the post of Joint General Secretary.
Lamichhane loyalist Bipin Acharya was elected General Secretary after defeating his close rival, Manish Jha. Acharya secured 673 votes against Jha’s 346 while another nominee, Ganesh Karki received 169 votes. Sagar Dhakal, another candidate backed by Balen’s team also contested for the post of General Secretary failed to win.
Sobita Gautam was elected Vice President while Hari Dhakal, Nisha Dangi who are regarded close to Lamichhane were elected Joint General Secretaries.
Swarnim Wagle, who was elected unopposed as the party’s open-category Vice President on Thursday is also considered a close ally of Lamichhane. His unopposed election came after Lamichhane reportedly persuaded Biraj Bhakta Shrestha to withdraw his candidature.
Another leader associated with Balen’s camp, Dr. Tosima Karki, lost the Vice President’s race to Gautam, leaving Asim Shah as the only office-bearer backed by Balen to emerge victorious.
Acharya has been associated with Lamichhane since before the formation of the RSP. A founding member of the party, he previously served as Joint General Secretary and is regarded as one of Lamichhane’s most trusted organisational leaders.
Ahead of the elections, Lamichhane made several attempts to forge a consensus on the selection of office-bearers. He held discussions with Prime minister Balen Shah and his adviser Kumar Ben but the two sides failed to reach a consensus, allowing the party to go ahead with elections. The results highlighted Lamichhane’s dominance over the party leadership.
Despite the outcome, the convention ended on a contentious note. Originally scheduled to conclude in three days, the event stretched to six days amid organisational delays and internal disagreements.
Although the party succeeded in electing its party officials and laying the foundation for a new organisational structure, the election witnessed a voter turnout of only 30 percent, reflecting growing dissatisfaction within the party. Many convention delegates reportedly returned home frustrated, questioning the party’s management and handling of the convention.
The low turnout is widely seen as a reflection of discontent over the party’s internal processes and leadership’s management of the convention despite Lamichhane’s camp emerging firmly in control of the party organisation.
The RSP is yet to appoint one additional Vice President, one General Secretary and several other office-bearers. Sunil Lamsal and Bhupdev Shah are among those being discussed for the remaining positions, although other leaders may also be accommodated.
According to party sources, appointments to the Central Committee are also expected to prioritise merit, contribution and youth leadership over factional power-sharing.
