KATHMANDU — Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has intensified internal discussions on leadership selection, cabinet structure, and potential ministerial appointments as the process of forming a new government approaches.
Leadership Selection After Oath Ceremony
The Federal Parliament Secretariat has scheduled the swearing-in of newly elected lawmakers, after which the RSP plans to convene a parliamentary party meeting to elect its leader. Discussions are ongoing on whether the meeting will take place immediately after the oath ceremony or the following day.
Following the selection of the parliamentary party leader, the constitutional process for government formation will proceed, and the party has also prepared a timeline for the prime minister’s oath-taking.
Cabinet Size Reduction and Structural Plan
In line with its election commitments, the RSP is preparing to reduce the number of federal ministries. While the constitution allows up to 25 ministries, the party is discussing limiting the cabinet to between 15 and 18. The proposed structure will prioritize efficiency, subject expertise, and service delivery.
The Office of the Prime Minister is expected to function as a coordination hub for inter-ministerial work, climate-related issues, and monitoring of major national projects. Party leadership is preparing a list of potential ministers and reviewing their background, experience, and leadership capacity, with the selection process being conducted internally.
Key Ministerial Positions and Parliamentary Roles
The Home Ministry is under discussion, with Deputy Chairperson Dol Prasad Aryal and leader Sunil Lamsal being considered, although a final decision has not yet been reached. If Aryal is appointed Home Minister, Lamsal may be assigned another key portfolio, with discussions also ongoing on merging the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport with the Ministry of Urban Development.
Swarnim Wagle is being discussed for the Finance Ministry, while party spokesperson Manish Jha has expressed interest in the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. Sobita Gautam is under consideration for the Law Ministry, and the party is also discussing candidates for Speaker, with a focus on selecting a younger leader.
Former Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar has also expressed interest in the role. Shishir Khanal, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, and Dr. Toshima Karki are also under consideration for ministerial positions, with Khanal being discussed for the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Names including Sasmita Pokharel, Rajunath Pandey, and Sumnima Udas are also part of internal discussions. The party is preparing to appoint its parliamentary coordination team, with General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti being discussed for Chief Whip and Nisha Dangi being considered for Whip.
