RSP convention descends into chaos, mirroring old parties' mistakes

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) convention, intended to showcase a new style of politics, has descended into familiar chaos, frustrating delegates and raising questions about the leadership's ability to manage internal affairs. Despite promises from party chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) to avoid the mistakes of older parties, the convention, which began on June 21, 2026, has fallen behind schedule. The agenda has been revised twice, and delegates are openly expressing their disappointment.

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If you keep shifting the schedule, what makes us any different from the other parties?

Frustrated by the delays and mounting expenses amid Chitwan's heat, delegates are questioning the leadership's competence. "If you keep shifting the schedule, what makes us any different from the other parties?" one delegate reportedly asked. While the convention has avoided the open brawls and physical altercations that have plagued other Nepali political gatherings, internal disputes are evident. Several leaders have privately voiced concerns to OnlineKhabar, alleging that the chairperson plans to unilaterally appoint members to key posts under the guise of consensus.

The closed session, initially scheduled for Monday afternoon, only began Tuesday afternoon, June 23. Even the basic task of confirming delegates has proven difficult. While Lamichhane and Shah were expected to retain their top positions, disagreements persist over other appointments. The RSP, which achieved significant electoral success by defeating established parties, is now struggling to implement transparent and healthy democratic practices within its own internal elections. This failure to adhere to its own timeline and processes is the root of the growing discontent among party members.

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We have heard of past conventions where people showed up wearing helmets because of fights, where things dragged on and on. We will not let that happen here.

Candidates for central committee posts have endured long waits for nomination windows to open. Some delegates passed the time by singing traditional songs, while others sought refuge in nearby restaurants to watch World Cup football. Chairperson Lamichhane acknowledged the internal friction, telling delegates on Tuesday that the party must avoid repeating the same political maneuvering and power struggles that characterize older parties. The current disarray at the convention undermines the RSP's image as a reformist force in Nepali politics.

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If the political character remains the same, if the political tug-of-war remains the same, if the race for power remains the same, if the character remains the same, and if the factiona