RSP Postpones Closed Session Of First National Convention

KATHMANDU, Asar 8 — The Rastriya Swatantra Party has postponed the closed session of its First National Convention at Guesthouse Ground in Bharatpur, Chitwan, to Asar 9 after delegate verification and identity card printing took longer than expected.

Party spokesperson Manish Jha and Central Election Commission chief Bhuwan KC shared the update at a press conference held during the convention. They said that the session which was scheduled to begin today, will now start after the remaining delegate cards are distributed.

According to the party, distribution of printed delegate cards began at 7 p.m. today, while cards still in process will be distributed from 7 a.m. tomorrow. The closed session will begin after the card distribution process is completed.

Jha and KC said that the verification of delegate names received from the provinces was taking additional time because the party wanted to ensure there would be no dispute in the convention process. They said that the general convention is the highest body of the party and that the process must remain transparent, accurate and fair.

The party apologized to convention delegates, party members and well-wishers for the inconvenience caused by the delay. It also thanked them for their patience, restraint and cooperation.

Earlier, RSP’s First National Convention began at the Guesthouse Ground in Bharatpur, Chitwan, with a special opening ceremony. Prime Minister and RSP senior leader Balendra Shah and party Chairman Rabi Lamichhane jointly inaugurated the event by ringing the bell, the party’s election symbol.

Leaders from several major political parties attended the opening session, including Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, UML leader Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, Nepali Communist Party leader Barsha Man Pun, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden and Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav. The Shram Sanskriti Party leader Harkaraj Rai was notably absent from the convention.

Picture Credit: Nepal Photo Library (NPL)

The convention is expected to elect RSP’s new leadership, including a 158-member Central Committee and 19 office-bearers, making it a key event for the party’s future structure and political direction.

The convention is seen as an important organizational event for RSP as the party prepares to decide its internal leadership, party structure and future political direction.