RSP convention: Madhesh delegates participate under ad hoc arrangement amid leadership dispute

The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) convened its first general convention in Bharatpur, Chitwan, on Sunday, but the event was marred by internal disputes and incomplete organizational processes, particularly in Madhesh Province.

The party failed to hold district conventions in seven of Madhesh's eight districts, a region that constitutes a significant electoral base for the RSP, having secured over 57 percent of proportional representation votes there in the recent polls. Consequently, delegates from these districts were chosen via existing ad hoc committees rather than through elected representatives.

RSP leader Ranjit Ram explained that the reliance on temporary structures was unavoidable. "Delegates were selected based on the previous ad hoc committees and the local-level conventions that had already been completed," Ram stated. "District and provincial committees also nominated delegates using the earlier structure, while some additional members were appointed. In total, 592 delegates from Madhesh have attended the convention."

Internal rivalries, competition between founding members and newer entrants, and disputes over organizational control are cited as reasons for the failure to conduct proper conventions. These tensions reportedly erupted into physical clashes in several districts, with local leaders accusing RSP lawmakers of interfering and exacerbating factional divisions. The situation has led to significant disruption, including the indefinite suspension of a district convention in Mahottari and the suspension of a district chair in Dhanusha amidst ongoing disputes.

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Delegates were selected based on the previous ad hoc committees and the local-level conventions that had already been completed. District and provincial committees also nominated delegates using the earlier structure, while some additional members were appointed. In total, 592 delegates from Madhesh have attended the convention.