Balendra Shah Clarifies Border Issue at Raswapa’s General Convention; Ravi Lamichhane and Opposition Leaders Share Their Views
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At the inaugural general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), Prime Minister Balendra Shah provided clarifications regarding his earlier statements on border issues.
Shah, who is also a senior leader of Raswapa, emphasized that there should be no doubts about nationalism, stating, “We have the evidence of Kalapani and Lipulekh,” and mentioned that British assistance had only been discussed regarding that evidence.
He added, “We will settle matters with our neighbors through direct dialogue.” He also expressed surprise that objections were raised when the country was firm about border issues.
At the same event, party chairman Ravi Lamichhane described the now powerful Raswapa as a force that works beyond revenge and arrogance.
“The country is in the hands of Raswapa, and it is secure,” Lamichhane stated. “If not only our party but other parties also follow the right path, the country will develop in a positive direction.”
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Prime Minister Shah and party chairperson Lamichhane jointly inaugurated the general convention on Sunday.
Raswapa, which secured a clear majority and took power within four years of its establishment, is conducting its first general convention in Chitwan over three days starting Sunday.
Following its success in coming first from fourth place in its second general election, the party plans to prioritize refining policy and leadership at this inaugural convention, according to General Secretary Kavindra Burlakoti.
Views Expressed by Leaders of Congress, UML, and NECP
Gagan Thapa, the chairperson of Nepali Congress, wished that Raswapa’s popular support be channeled “correctly towards stability” and referred to the party as a “competitor, not an enemy.”
He noted that in history, many parties that gained popular mandate could not manage their responsibilities, resulting in loss for “generations to come.”
“Have the courage to question your own leaders when mistakes are made. We delayed and have already paid the consequences,” Thapa added.
“Where rules are violated, Nepali Congress raises concerns,” he emphasized.
Pradeep Gyawali, a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), described Raswapa as being at a ‘turning point’ to transform its movement into a structured organization.
“Elections, government, and democracies are primarily means; the ultimate goal is the prosperity of the people and advancement of the nation. If the popular mandate on your shoulders is not used properly, the risks it presents could be serious,” Gyawali advised.
He conveyed concerns regarding some of Raswapa’s initial activities.
“If the judiciary weakens, the presidential office weakens, parliament weakens, and voices of criticism are suppressed, naturally the popular mandate may not persist.”
Bharatman Pun, a leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (NECP), noted that Raswapa’s convention, supported by a large popular mandate, will influence national life broadly and thus attracts widespread attention.
“It is necessary to ensure that contractual steps follow legal and constitutional provisions,” he stated. “In a democracy, power comes from the people and can be withdrawn as necessary… Majority in politics must learn humility and minorities should practice patience.”
Statements from Leaders of Other Parties
Rajendra Lingden, chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), said Raswapa and its leadership have been presented with a rare opportunity.
He pointed out problems with the constitution and remarked: “Today, people are able to make decisions beyond political parties, ideologies, and borders… Some even voted for a king in this election; some voted for Balendra because they believe he would bring a king. You carry a heavy responsibility.”
Upendra Yadav, chairperson of the Janata Samajbadi Party – Nepal, highlighted good governance and social justice as essential for national economic development and prosperity, and extended his best wishes for the historic decisions of the convention.
He added, “In this new era and changed context, new youth leadership has emerged… we will move forward in cooperation.”
Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai wished success to Raswapa in completing its full term and urged for strengthened unity within the party.
CK Raut, chairperson of Janamat Party, extended greetings not as a competitor but as a fellow traveler and called the convention a “historic event.”
“Never forget the rising movement now underway,” he said. “This is a near two-thirds majority which brings with it responsibility… If we fail to fulfill promises, the people and the air have much in common; they belong to no one.”
Statements from Raswapa Leaders
Prime Minister Balendra Shah urged party unity and advised workers not to form factions. He affirmed that the country is firmly under control of all sides and that they are committed to operating within legal frameworks.
He vowed to address problems concerning squatters and cooperatives during this tenure and pledged to bring new issues to the upcoming elections.
Swarnim Wagle, Raswapa’s vice-chairperson and finance minister, described Raswapa as a “democratic voice of rebellion” and emphasized the need to raise the institutional quality of democracy.
“We want to move towards citizen-centered democracy… we have come not to defeat anyone but to make Nepal win,” said Wagle.
“Raswapa’s strength is not only anger, but also hope… starting today, we are institutionalizing the movement as a political power.”
Expectations of Delegates and Workers
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Tekraj Sapkota from Pokhara, attending the convention, expressed that the recent election results and the general convention have inspired him.
“After Raswapa won almost two-thirds of the seats, the enthusiasm among the people has raised hopes that the country will pick up new momentum. Hence, there is great interest in the convention,” he said.
Image source, Ishwor Joshi/BBC
Mamta Sapkota from Chitwan urged that the “historic convention” should foster a sense of unity among everyone.
“The focus must be on how to advance the party and develop the country; the country is bigger than any position,” she stated.
Naval Kishor Sah from Sarlahi attended in support of the party leadership’s campaign against prevalent misconduct and corruption in the country.
Provisional Committee to Elect Central Committee
Raswapa has reported approximately 3,700 delegates participating in the general convention.
The three-day convention will advance a process to transform the current provisional central committee into an elected central committee.
A closed session will propose candidates, with 151 elected central committee members and seven provincial chairpersons to become ex-officio members.
Party leaders have mentioned ongoing efforts to amend party rules to enable the chairperson to nominate a larger number of central members.
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The general convention will conduct a two-stage election process. In the first stage, the chairperson and central committee members will be selected, as informed by Bhuwan KC, chief of Raswapa’s Central Election Commission.
The second stage will select officials from among the elected members. All delegates will have voting rights in both stages.
The election process will start on Monday, the second day of the convention, with voting scheduled on the third day, the 9th.
Raswapa has announced that 80 electronic voting machines will be used and that delegates residing abroad will be able to vote via a mobile app.