Final talks underway as RSP finalises new government

Kathmandu, March 22

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has entered the final stage of selecting ministers for the new government to be led by Balendra Shah. According to party sources, some individuals’ portfolios have already been finalised, while others are still under discussion. Party chair Rabi Lamichhane is holding final consultations with those yet to be decided.

Balen Shah is preparing to take the oath of office as Prime Minister on March 27. On the same day, a small Council of Ministers is expected to be formed.

Discussions are ongoing to form a cabinet comprising 15 to 18 members. Since the RSP had pledged in its election manifesto to limit the number of ministries to 18, leaders say there is consensus not to exceed that number.

A party leader said preparations are underway to merge some ministries to keep the cabinet small, adding, “Some unexpected names may appear in the list of ministers.”

The party is also planning to keep some leaders at the secretariat level “in reserve” to help run party operations.

Discussions on potential ministers

According to sources, Balen Shah is likely to take charge of the Ministry of Defence alongside the premiership.

Vice-chairpersons DP Aryal and Swarnim Wagle are almost certain to become ministers, with discussions underway about assigning them the Home, Finance, or Physical Infrastructure ministries. Sunil Lamsal’s name is being discussed for Physical Infrastructure.

Shishir Khanal is being considered for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also heads the party’s international relations department.

There are discussions about assigning Sobita Gautam to the Health or Law Ministry. Her name has also been floated for the position of Speaker of Parliament.

Former Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel and Pratibha Rawal are also being discussed for the Speaker’s post. Kharel’s name is additionally under consideration for the Communications Ministry.

Sudan Gurung is being discussed for the Youth and Sports Ministry. Manish Jha is under consideration for Tourism or Communications, with a proposal also suggesting him for Youth and Sports.

A RSP leader said discussions are ongoing on multiple names for ministerial positions, but final decisions are yet to be made.

In the election held on March 5, the RSP won 125 seats under the first-past-the-post system and an additional 57 seats through proportional representation. With a total of 182 seats in the House of Representatives, the party is preparing to form a strong government with a near two-thirds majority.

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