Shah elected PP leader of RSP

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 27: The largest party in the House of Representatives, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has unanimously elected senior leader Balendra Shah as its parliamentary party leader.

A central committee meeting held on Thursday at the party’s central office in Chamati decided to appoint Shah as the parliamentary party leader after amending the party’s statute.

The party had earlier projected Shah as its prime ministerial candidate ahead of the March 5 HoR election, in line with an agreement between party president Rabi Lamichhane and Shah.

The party has announced that Shah would assume the role of parliamentary party leader and become the Prime Minister.

In line with that agreement, the central committee invoked its authority by removing legal obstacles under Clause 80 and amended the parliamentary party statute accordingly. The proposal put forward by the party president Lamichhane was unanimously endorsed by the central committee. 

Following Shah’s selection, the President Lamichhane extended his congratulations and best wishes to him as the incoming Prime Minister.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for success to senior leader Shah on behalf of the parliamentary party,” Lamichhane said.

After his remarks, the parliamentary party meeting formally endorsed the decision collectively by ringing bells, the party's election symbol. 

With Shah’s election as parliamentary party leader, preparations are now under way for his swearing-in as Prime Minister.

President Ramchandra Paudel is scheduled to administer the oath of office and secrecy to Shah at 12:34 pm on Friday at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas, in accordance with Article 76(1) of the Constitution.

Discussions and consultations are ongoing among president Lamichhane, senior leader Shah, and vice-presidents Dol Prasad Aryal and Swarnim Wagle regarding the formation of the new cabinet. 

The party is preparing to form a small cabinet of 15 to 18 ministers, prioritising good governance and efficiency. Arrangements are also being made to reflect Vedic-Sanatani traditions during the oath-taking ceremony, including recitations by 108 Batuks, chanting by 16 Buddhist monks and ceremonial conch blowing with seven conches.

The party has stated that the new government will primarily focus on ensuring good governance and that ministers will be selected based on expertise and experience. 

Discussions are also underway regarding the selection of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the chief whip and other key parliamentary positions.