Kathmandu — Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has begun discussions on forming a new government after securing a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21.
According to party officials, preparations are underway to restructure the cabinet in line with commitments made before the election. The party is considering reducing the number of ministries to between 15 and 18.
Cabinet Discussions and Possible Ministerial Appointments
Internal discussions are also ongoing regarding cabinet appointments. Party sources said Vice Presidents D.P. Aryal and Swarnim Wagle are under consideration for key ministerial roles. Aryal is being discussed for the Home Ministry, while Wagle is being considered for the Finance Ministry.
Other leaders under discussion for ministerial positions include General Secretary Sunil Lamsal, spokesperson Manish Jha, and lawmakers Shishir Khanal, Sobita Gautam, Rajunath Pandey, and Sasmita Pokharel.
A party official said discussions have included assigning Khanal to the Foreign Ministry and Gautam to the Law Ministry. The selection of the Speaker is also under consideration, with party leadership indicating a preference for a younger candidate, although no final decision has been made.
Government Formation Timeline and Swearing-In Plan
Meanwhile, preparations are also underway for the government formation process. General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said discussions are ongoing about inviting foreign leaders to attend the prime minister’s swearing-in ceremony.
The Federal Parliament Secretariat is scheduled to administer the oath of office to newly elected lawmakers on Chaitra 12. Senior RSP leader Balen Shah is set to take the oath of office as prime minister on Chaitra 13.
Senior party leaders, including Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, Balen Shah, D.P. Aryal, and Swarnim Wagle, held discussions on Thursday evening regarding government formation and related matters.
