RSP’s first general convention in Chitwan, Bringing together Rabi, Balen and Gagan on one stage

KATHMANDU: The first national general convention of the Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) begins in Chitwan on Sunday, marking a major milestone for the party four years after its establishment.

The convention will be inaugurated at 1:00 p.m. at Guest House Ground in Bharatpur, Chitwan. RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balen Shah, who also serves as the party’s senior leader, are scheduled to jointly open the gathering.

The event is expected to draw national attention as Prime Minister Balen Shah, Rabi Lamichhane, and Gagan Thapa will share the same stage during the opening session.

RSP has invited leaders from major political parties to attend the inaugural ceremony. Representatives from the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML), Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), and other political groups are expected to deliver goodwill messages.

Following the inauguration, delegates will move to the closed session at the Chitwan Exhibition Center.

According to the party, 3,918 representatives will participate in the convention. RSP claims its membership has reached 500,000 nationwide. Party Secretariat member Hari Dhakal said conventions have already been completed in 610 local governments and 4,063 wards across the country.

The convention comes after a turbulent yet rapid political rise for RSP. Founded by former television presenter Rabi Lamichhane on June 21, 2022 (Asar 7, 2079 BS), the party emerged as a major force in Nepal’s parliamentary politics within months of its formation.

In the November 2022 general election, RSP secured 20 seats in the House of Representatives, becoming the fourth-largest party in Parliament. Lamichhane subsequently became Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister.

However, he was removed from office in January 2023 after the Supreme Court ruled that he had not completed the legal process required to reacquire Nepali citizenship following the renunciation of his U.S. citizenship. He later won the Chitwan-2 by-election and returned to Parliament before rejoining the Home Ministry.

RSP remained outside the coalition government later formed by the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. Lamichhane subsequently faced legal challenges related to cooperative fraud allegations and spent time in custody before being released on bail by the Butwal High Court.

The party’s political fortunes received another boost following the rise of the so-called “Gen Z movement” and the growing popularity of Prime Minister Balen Shah. In subsequent elections, RSP significantly expanded its electoral support and emerged as one of Nepal’s strongest political forces.

Several political groups, including former members of the Sajha movement, Tharuhat campaigners, and Hamro Nepal Party led by Khagendra Sunar, have also merged into RSP in recent years.

Among invited leaders, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has confirmed his participation and is expected to arrive in Bharatpur shortly before the inauguration. CPN-UML has decided not to send a top office-bearer, with leader Pradeep Gyawali representing the party.

From the Maoist Centre, party chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal was initially expected to attend but canceled due to health reasons. Senior leader Barshaman Pun will represent the party instead.

Meanwhile, Rajendra Lingden is participating on behalf of the RPP and arrived in Chitwan on the same flight as Prime Minister Balen Shah.

The convention is viewed as a crucial organizational exercise for RSP as it seeks to institutionalize itself, strengthen its nationwide structure, and prepare for future elections after a period of rapid political growth, internal challenges, and intense public scrutiny.