The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured nearly a two-thirds majority in the post-election scenario, is in the final stages of forming a new government.
Top party leaders are engaged in intense discussions to finalize the Cabinet. The party has already decided to appoint Balen Shah as Prime Minister and is also preparing to elect him as the parliamentary party leader.
Shah, who was elected as mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City as an independent candidate in the 2022 local elections, resigned from his post before joining the RSP.
According to party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, preparations are underway to administer the oath of office and secrecy to the new Prime Minister on Chaitra 13.
Cabinet Formation and Key Discussions
As the formation date approaches, party leadership is working to finalize the names for Shah-led Cabinet. Ministers are likely to be selected from individuals already being discussed publicly in media and social platforms.
The party aims to form a Cabinet that meets public expectations following the so-called “Gen Z movement.” As per the party’s manifesto, the Cabinet size will be limited to a maximum of 18 members, although the constitution allows up to 25.
Key Figures and Possible Portfolios
Within the party, there is near consensus between party president Rabi Lamichhane and Shah to appoint Shishir Khanal as Foreign Minister.
However, differences have emerged over key ministries. For the Home Ministry, Lamichhane favors Dol Prasad Aryal, while Shah prefers Sunil Lamsal.
Other notable names include:
- Sasmita Pokharel, who may be appointed Education Minister
- Bhup Dev Shah, recently made co-general secretary
Parliamentary Leadership Roles
Discussions are also ongoing regarding key parliamentary positions such as Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Chief Whip, and Whip.
Among potential Speaker candidates:
- Sobita Gautam is seen as a strong contender
- Sulabh Kharel is another prominent name
- Jagdish Kharel, a former Minister for Communication, is also being considered
Emerging Leaders
Sudan Gurung, a key figure of the Gen Z movement elected from Gorkha-1, has been actively pushing for administrative reforms, including calls to investigate the wide-body aircraft procurement case in civil aviation. While some interpret his actions as positioning for a ministerial role, Gurung has denied any such ambition.
As negotiations continue, the RSP leadership is under pressure to form a Cabinet that reflects the public mandate and delivers on reform expectations.
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