Balendra Shah: What is the Senior Rastriya Swatantra Party Leader and Prime Minister Candidate Currently Doing?
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Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Balendra Shah ‘Balen’, widely sought after for his absence even at the party’s orientation program for newly elected MPs, has been described by a high-ranking official as “consulting with experts.”
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, which won a significant majority in the recent House of Representatives election, is preparing to form the government under Balen’s leadership.
“He is not only consulting with experts but also engaging in discussions with other party leaders,” disclosed the party’s General Secretary, Kavindra Burlakoti.
Balen was absent from the two-day program organized on Tuesday and Wednesday for newly elected MPs by the party.
“He is currently focusing primarily on health recovery. His health was previously quite fragile. Along with this, current consultations mainly revolve around how to work and what the key priorities should be,” Burlakoti explained.
Reports had also emerged that he was unwell during the election period.
“We have taken a huge responsibility, and it is natural for the public to expect change. In such a situation, there are ongoing discussions on how to move forward in a new way,” he added.
The last meeting with the senior party leader nominated to become prime minister was held three days ago. However, no details have been made available regarding the list of experts consulted.
Questions Raised About Balen
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Following his absence from this party event, some social media users criticized him for “displaying arrogance,” while others defended him, suggesting he might be busy with government formation.
Information technology expert and trainer Dovan Rai raised questions about Balen’s absence in a lengthy Facebook post.
“This program was both an orientation and an introduction. Even if he could not attend the entire program, shouldn’t he have participated at least during the opening, closing, or some significant moment to thank the MPs who were continuously present for two days?”
She also reminded that Balen had yet to deliver addresses, offer thanks, or apologize since resigning as mayor and embarking on the election campaign.
“Even if he is unwell or busy elsewhere, he could have sent well-wishes to the elected MPs via social media or explained why he could not attend. It is not absolutely necessary to be physically present,” she stated. “The idea that staff work and leaders disappear is becoming somewhat feudal.”
A newly elected MP from Rastriya Swatantra Party, considered close to Balen, claimed that there was no schedule for Balen to participate in the event.
“He was not expected to attend,” the MP said. “It is natural to have different engagements. He is busy preparing to lead the government.”
When Will the New Prime Minister Be Appointed?
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The Election Commission issued certificates to MPs elected through the proportional representation system on Thursday following the elections held on Falgun 21 and also submitted the comprehensive election report to President Ramchandra Paudel.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party won a total of 182 seats out of the 275-member House of Representatives through both direct and proportional representation systems.
After the Election Commission submits the report to the President’s office, the government formation process will proceed.
Ritesh Kumar Shakya, spokesperson for the President’s office, stated, “This report will also be sent to the federal parliament. We will advance the process in consultation with the parliament secretary.”
Federal Parliament Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey confirmed that the commission’s report has been received and that the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Chaitra 12.
“We are issuing a notice for the oath-taking at 2 PM on Chaitra 12,” he said.
According to some sources involved in the government formation process, it is customary in Nepal for a prime minister to be appointed in a majority position even before MPs take their oath.
General Secretary Burlakoti stated that no conclusion has yet been reached on which process to follow.
“I think the decision will be based on the MPs’ oath-taking. The MPs will take oath on Chaitra 12, so it won’t be too late. It could be five days earlier or five days later. We generally plan to proceed after the oath,” he said.
Discussions had taken place among representatives of various parties at the parliamentary secretariat on this topic.
Secretary Pandey said, “It appears the main party prefers to appoint the prime minister only after the MPs’ oath-taking.”
‘Ravi and Balen in Ongoing Discussions’
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Several Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders have stated that continuous discussions are taking place between Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah regarding government formation.
According to General Secretary Burlakoti, the management of assigning suitable individuals to government positions has yet to be finalized.
“Top party leaders will be given the authority to select ministers because it’s unlikely that all party members vote directly for ministerial candidates. After discussions at the highest level, decisions will be made and at least the office bearers will be informed,” he explained.
Burlakoti denied any possibility of conflict between Chairperson Lamichhane and Balen concerning policy and leadership issues.
“There is excellent coordination and a high level of understanding between them. We are fully supportive as well.”
“Policy will be collective, and leadership will come from the party. Since everything will move forward after consultation, the coordination between policy and leadership will be strong,” he added.