Party Rules Amendments Not Required to Make Balen Prime Minister
News Summary
- The Rastriya Swatantra Party is preparing to announce Balen Shah as Prime Minister on June 26, and according to General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, no amendment to party rules is necessary.
- The party is planning to reduce the current 22 ministries to 18, with some ministers potentially holding dual responsibilities.
- A parliamentary party leader selection meeting is scheduled for June 25, and all ministers are expected to take oath together on June 26.
Kathmandu – The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is actively preparing to form a new government. Party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti stated that no amendments to the party constitution are required to appoint Balen Shah as Prime Minister.
According to him, without any constitutional amendments, senior leader Balen Shah is set to take oath as Prime Minister on June 26. The party is also preparing to form a smaller-sized Cabinet on the same day. The existing 22 ministries are expected to be reduced to a maximum of 18.
Here is an exclusive conversation with RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti regarding these developments –
What is the progress on forming the smaller Cabinet? How many ministries will there be?
There is ongoing groundwork regarding how to reduce the number of ministries. Our manifesto mentions that there will be 18 ministries. Adjustments are being planned within that framework.
What are the plans regarding condensing ministries or assigning dual responsibilities?
We are evaluating which departments and functional areas should belong to which ministries. Currently there are 22-23 ministries. As we reduce them to 18, we are assessing which ministries to eliminate and how to redistribute their functions.
No final decision has been made, but the plan is approximately to limit ministries to around 18.
There has been talk about having 15 ministries. Is that true?
We are trying to downsize, but current priorities suggest 18 ministries would cover most ministers. There are also suggestions that some ministers may handle responsibilities for two ministries.
Is work ongoing on assigning dual responsibilities?
Yes, suggestions have been received and work continues. Final decisions are yet to be made.
Has the number of ministries been finalized?
No official decision has been made yet. While some personal decisions exist, formal party discussions and decisions are still pending.
Preliminary internal groundwork may be completed, but collective decisions are yet to come.
So the number of ministries is still not certain?
No formal decision has been taken through party mechanisms as yet.
Have individual responsibility assignments been decided?
No final decisions on responsibilities have been made. Since all decisions will be made collectively, distribution will be gradual. So far, only proposals are being developed.
Are all ministers scheduled to take oath together on June 26?
Yes, the plan is for all to be sworn in simultaneously. After the Prime Minister’s oath, all ministers will take their oaths on the same day.
What are the preparations for parliamentary party leader selection and central committee meetings?
A meeting has been scheduled for June 25 after MPs take their oath to select the parliamentary party leader.
Is there a plan to amend the party constitution?
Due to political consensus, no changes to the constitution appear necessary. Amendments related to party leadership positions are not required, though other matters might require changes. The consensus has already been reached and approved by the central committee. This forms the basis for moving forward with upcoming work.