RSP concludes first general convention, Elects new leadership and sets party direction

Kathmandu-The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has concluded its first General Convention, electing a new leadership team and endorsing the party’s future policy direction.

The four-day convention, which began in Chitwan on Sunday, ended on Thursday with the election of party office-bearers. Rabi Lamichhane was unanimously re-elected as the party’s chairperson, while Swarnim Wagle was elected unopposed as vice-chairperson.In the race for the women’s vice-chairperson post, Sobita Gautam defeated Tosima Karki. Bipin Acharya was elected as the party’s general secretary after defeating Manish Jha, Sagar Dhakal, and Ganesh Karki.

Hari Dhakal and Asim Shah were elected as joint general secretaries under the open category, while Nisha Dangi secured the women’s joint general secretary position. The newly elected office-bearers took the oath of office on Thursday.Earlier in the convention, 99 central committee members were elected. The party is yet to nominate 51 additional central committee members, along with 12 office-bearers, including one senior leader, one spokesperson, three deputy spokespersons, one treasurer, and two deputy treasurers.

By holding its first General Convention just four years after its establishment, the RSP has institutionalized its organizational structure while formally endorsing its new leadership and policy framework.However, the convention was not without controversy. Some party leaders and members expressed dissatisfaction over alleged organizational mismanagement, procedural confusion, and what they described as undemocratic practices during parts of the convention.