Balen Shah: What Is the Senior Rastriya Swatantra Party Leader Doing Amid Prime Ministership Speculations?
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Senior leader of the National Independent Party, Balendra Shah ‘Balen’, who was widely sought after for his absence even during an introductory and orientation program organized for the party’s newly elected members of parliament, is reportedly “consulting with experts,” according to a senior party official.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured a strong majority in the recent House of Representatives election, is preparing to form the government under Balen’s leadership.
“He is in greater consultation with experts and also in discussions with party leaders,” said the party’s General Secretary, Kavindra Burlakoti.
Balen was notably absent from the events organized by the party for newly elected MPs on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The key issue is that he is recovering his health. He was in a critical condition. The current consultations focus on how to work, the main priorities, and things we should pay attention to during our work,” Burlakoti added.
Reports had emerged during the election period that he was unwell.
“We carry a huge responsibility, and it is natural for the public to expect change. Discussions are ongoing on how to move forward in new ways,” said Burlakoti.
He revealed that a meeting with the senior party leader preparing to become prime minister took place three days ago, though the list of consulted experts has not been disclosed.
Questions Raised About Balen
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Balen’s absence from the party event has sparked criticism on social media, with some saying “arrogance should not be displayed,” while others have defended him by suggesting he might be busy with forming the government.
RSP’s IT expert and trainer, Dobhan Rai, posted a lengthy message on Facebook questioning Balen’s absence.
“It was an introductory and orientation program. Even if he could not attend the entire event, should he not have shown up at the inauguration, closing, or even for a moment to thank the continuously participating MPs over two days?”
The post also mentioned that when Balen left his mayoral post to contest in the elections, he did not give any address, thank the supporters, or even apologize.
“If he was ill or busy elsewhere, he could have at least sent well wishes to the elected MPs via social media or publicly explained his absence. That was not done, and that is problematic,” she said.
However, a newly elected MP close to Balen claimed that his absence was because he was never scheduled to attend the event.
“There was no plan for him to come,” the MP said. “Whatever is being said is about personal engagements. He is likely busy preparing to lead the government and discussing that.”
When Will the New Prime Minister Be Appointed?
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The Election Commission on Thursday issued certificates to the MPs elected through the proportional representation system in the February 21 elections and submitted the overall election report to President Ramchandra Paudel.
In the 275-member House of Representatives, RSP secured 182 seats from both the direct and proportional systems.
Following the submission of the report to the President, the government formation process is set to move forward.
“The report will also be sent to the Federal Parliament. We will proceed after consulting with the Secretary of Parliament,” said Riteshkumar Shakya, spokesperson for the President’s Office.
Padma Prasad Pandey, the Secretary of the Federal Parliament, confirmed receiving the Election Commission’s report and said the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Chaitra 12 (March 25).
“The oath-taking notice will be issued for 2pm on Chaitra 12,” he said.
Experts involved in the government formation process indicate that prime ministers are often appointed before MPs officially take their oath in Nepal.
RSP General Secretary Burlakoti said the decision on which process will be taken is yet to be finalized.
“Many factors depend on the MPs’ oath. Since the oath is fixed for Chaitra 12, it should not take long,” he said. “The key question is whether the appointment happens before or after the oath.”
It was also disclosed that party representatives recently held discussions at the Parliamentary Secretariat.
Padma Prasad Pandey said the main party wants the prime minister’s appointment only after the MPs take their oath.
Ravi and Balen in Continuous Discussion
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Several leaders of the RSP have said that continuous discussions are ongoing between Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen about forming the government.
General Secretary Burlakoti stated that the decision on appointing suitable ministers is still pending.
“The party’s top leaders will be given the authority to select ministers because it is not feasible for all members to vote on ministers,” he explained. “Decisions will be made after discussions at the highest level of the party, and at least the executive level will be informed.”
Burlakoti also said there appears to be no issues between Chairperson Lamichhane and Balen regarding policies and leadership.
“There is good coordination and a high level of understanding between them. We are also aligned with that understanding.”
“The policy is collective and leadership comes from the party, so there seems to be a good alignment between policy and leadership,” he clarified.