Kathmandu— The Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP) has decided to accord second priority to Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen), following party president Rabi Lamichhane, after the two sides reached a unity agreement.
Although the seven-point agreement signed early Sunday does not explicitly mention Balen’s position within the party hierarchy, RSP leaders say an internal understanding has been reached to recognize him as the party’s second-most senior leader.
Shishir Khanal, an RSP leader and a member of the task force formed to facilitate unity, confirmed that the decision was taken during internal discussions.
“Balenji said he would only become a central member and does not want any formal position,” Khanal said. “But how can someone who is being projected as the future Prime Minister remain just a central member? Out of respect, I proposed that he be given second priority in the party.”
No formal post, but priority after the president
According to Khanal, while Balen will not hold any designated office within the party structure, his name will be taken immediately after President Lamichhane in party meetings and internal deliberations.
“There is no official title, but in party forums his name will come after the president,” Khanal said. “Rabi Lamichhane will lead the party organization, while Balen will lead the parliamentary and electoral front. That is the understanding.”
Agreement reached after overnight talks
The unity agreement between RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah was finalized early Sunday morning following discussions that continued until midnight on Saturday.
Under the agreement, Lamichhane will continue as the president of the Rastriya Swotantra Party, while Balen Shah will be projected as the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming House of Representatives elections.
Party leaders say the arrangement reflects a division of roles—organizational leadership remaining with Lamichhane and electoral leadership being entrusted to Balen—aimed at strengthening the party ahead of the polls.
