- RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle held a 24-hour meeting in Dhulikhel regarding growing internal party tensions and government performance.
- The leaders discussed a potential Cabinet reshuffle, specifically addressing rumors about Minister Wagle’s performance review and possible removal from his post.
- Friction persists over amended party statutes allowing the chairman to replace the parliamentary leader, alongside disagreements on federalism and judicial appointments.
- The meeting highlights a critical struggle for leadership authority and policy direction as the party faces challenges following its first general convention.
Kathmandu, Nepal: A prolonged meeting between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane and Deputy Chairman and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle at Dusit Thani Himalayan Resort in Dhulikhel has drawn significant attention in Nepal’s political circles amid growing internal disagreements within the ruling party.
The two leaders stayed at the resort for nearly 24 hours on Saturday and held discussions at a time when the party has been facing internal tensions over government performance, a possible Cabinet reshuffle, leadership authority, and recent amendments to the party statute.
Although the meeting was described by some as a personal interaction, political observers have linked it to ongoing disputes within the party, particularly regarding possible changes in the Council of Ministers and differences over the functioning of the government and party organization.
Sources said Prime Minister Balendra Shah has been reviewing the performance of ministers after the government completed its first 100 days. He is reportedly considering changes in the Cabinet, including removing some ministers, reshuffling responsibilities, and inducting new faces.
According to sources, Finance Minister Dr. Wagle is among the ministers whose performance has come under review, and discussions are reportedly underway regarding the possibility of his removal from the Cabinet. The issue is believed to have been one of the key topics discussed between Lamichhane and Wagle during their Dhulikhel meeting.
However, neither Lamichhane nor Wagle has officially disclosed the details of their discussions or the conclusions reached during the meeting.
Sources said the two leaders discussed possible strategies to address the situation arising from a potential Cabinet reshuffle and the political consequences it could create within the party. They also reportedly discussed the broader political situation following the party’s first general convention.
The meeting took place amid increasing differences between Prime Minister Shah’s faction and the party establishment. While one group has expressed concerns over the government’s working style and decision-making process, another has raised questions regarding party management and leadership structure.
A major point of disagreement within the party is the recently amended statute, which reportedly allows the party chairman to replace the parliamentary party leader under certain circumstances.
The provision has faced criticism from leaders close to Prime Minister Shah, who argue that it could weaken the authority of the parliamentary party and lead to excessive concentration of power within the party leadership. They have indicated that they may challenge the provision through internal party mechanisms and, if necessary, approach the Election Commission.
Meanwhile, the party establishment has defended the amendment, arguing that stronger coordination between the party leadership and the parliamentary wing is necessary for effective political functioning.
The controversy has intensified as the party has yet to conduct a comprehensive review of its first general convention. Dissatisfied leaders have demanded discussions on issues related to delegate management, voting procedures, vote counting, and overall convention management.
Party insiders say dissatisfaction has also grown over some government decisions and appointments. Differences have reportedly emerged within the party over the recommendation of Justice Basudev Acharya for the chairpersonship of the Special Court.
Some leaders have questioned the decision, citing concerns over its political implications, while others argue that judicial appointments should not be viewed through a personal or political lens.
The party has also witnessed disagreements over its economic and political report, which included proposals related to restructuring federalism, reviewing the role of provincial assemblies, introducing a directly elected prime minister, restricting lawmakers from becoming ministers, and reducing the number of local governments.
The proposals have drawn criticism from some Madhesh-based leaders and lawmakers, who have expressed concerns over changes to the existing federal structure.
The timing of the report has also attracted attention after Prime Minister Shah expressed support for federalism during a public program in Janakpur, while Wagle’s report proposed significant changes to the current federal system.
Meanwhile, Chairman Lamichhane has also publicly expressed dissatisfaction with some government decisions, stating that decisions made in the public interest should be corrected immediately if they produce negative consequences.
Party lawmakers have recently raised questions in Parliament and parliamentary committees regarding issues such as squatter settlement management, the performance of public institutions, and the activities of individuals close to the government.
Differences have also emerged within the party over recent court decisions related to corruption cases. While one group has emphasized the need for structural reform of the judiciary, another has argued that weak investigation and prosecution processes are responsible for controversial legal outcomes.
The Special Court’s decision to release CPN-UML Vice Chairman Bishnu Poudel from custody has also generated different reactions among RSP leaders.
Political analysts say the current dispute within the RSP is not limited to individual leaders or Cabinet positions but reflects deeper issues related to leadership authority, party governance, policy direction, and the balance of power between the government and the party organization.
The Dhulikhel meeting between Lamichhane and Wagle has therefore been viewed as a significant political development rather than a routine gathering. The upcoming Cabinet reshuffle, party meetings, and further discussions among leaders are expected to determine whether the party moves toward reconciliation or faces deeper internal conflict.
For the RSP, which emerged as a major alternative political force in Nepal, managing internal differences and maintaining public confidence will be one of its biggest challenges in the coming period.
