RSP leaders make symbolic arrival at party convention, pledge unity

Prime Minister Balendra Shah drove himself, with party chair Rabi Lamichhane in the passenger seat, arriving at the Rastriya Swatantra Party's (RSP) first general convention in Bharatpur, Chitwan. This unconventional entrance immediately captured attention.

In just four years, the RSP has become a formidable political force, nearing a two-thirds majority. The party chose Chitwan, a district closely associated with its inception, for its debut general convention to formulate policies and elect leadership. The venue, Guesthouse Chaur in Bharatpur, is directly opposite the District Police Office, Chitwan. Seven years prior, Lamichhane was detained there on charges of abetment to suicide and received strong support from locals who vouched for his innocence.

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We will honor every single word of our agreement, with the Nepali public and history as our witness.

As Lamichhane and Shah arrived, a sudden downpour provided relief from the heat. General secretary Kabindra Burlakoti described the joint arrival as a good omen. Lamichhane recalled being in Bhairahawa Jail in similar heat exactly a year ago and reminisced about his time in custody at the nearby police office. Supporters cheered as the two leaders appeared together before entering the venue under an umbrella.

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This is not a personal matter; we are answerable to history. Individual whims do not matter.

Leaders from other political parties attended to offer wishes but still questioned the RSP's ideology, governance style, and plans for utilizing its popular mandate. Lamichhane acknowledged these concerns, stating he was aware of external attempts to divide the party. He declared that he and Prime Minister Shah would "honor every single word of their agreement, with the Nepali public and history as their witness." "This is not a personal matter; we are answerable to history. Individual whims do not matter," Lamichhane asserted.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah smiled as Lamichhane added that the RSP had strategically empowered its senior leader well before the elections to ensure the agreement's implementation. Lamichhane further explained his role: "The responsibility of scoring back-to-back goals lies with the Right Honourable Prime Minister Balendra Shah ji, and he has been doing so continuously. Even if the ball accidentally deflects elsewhere, my job is to pass it right back to his feet. I say this because there are plenty of onlookers salivating [at the prospect of division], and just as many trying to create a rift." Rajendra Lingden, chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, also spoke at the event.

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The responsibility of scoring back-to-back goals lies with the Right Honourable Prime Minister Balendra Shah ji, and he has been doing so continuously. Even if the ball accidentally deflects elsewhere, my job is to pass it right back to his feet. I say this because there are plenty of onlookers salivating [at the prospect of division], and just as many trying to create a rift.