Balen Shah: What Are the Senior Leaders of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Prime Ministerial Contenders, Currently Doing?
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Balen Shah, a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and prime ministerial candidate, has been widely sought after following his absence from an introductory and orientation program organized for newly elected party lawmakers. A senior leader of the party disclosed that Shah is currently “consulting with experts.”
The RSP, which recently secured a landslide victory in the House of Representatives election, is preparing to form the government under Shah’s leadership.
“He has been engaging extensively with experts and simultaneously discussing matters with party leaders,” said Kavindra Burlakoti, the party’s general secretary.
Shah was absent from the two-day orientation arranged for new lawmakers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The key point is that he is currently recuperating. His health condition is quite fragile. Alongside this, he appears to be deeply discussing how to work, which are the critical issues, and the main points to consider in terms of operations,” Burlakoti added.
Reports surfaced that Shah was unwell even during the election period.
“We hold great responsibility and the public naturally expects change. In such a scenario, it seems discussions are ongoing about how to move forward in a new way,” Burlakoti noted.
He also stated that there was a meeting with the party’s senior leader, who is to become prime minister, three days ago. However, Burlakoti did not provide details regarding the list of experts Shah is consulting.
Questions Raised About Balen
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Due to his absence from the party’s own program, some on social media have criticized him for “displaying arrogance,” while others defend him, suggesting he may be busy forming the government.
Dovhan Rai, a technology expert and trainer at the RSP event, raised questions on Facebook about Shah’s absence.
“…This was both an orientation and introductory program. Even if he couldn’t attend the full program, shouldn’t he have at least appeared at the opening, closing, or some moment during the two days to thank those who participated consistently? …”
In her post, she also noted that Shah had not made any address, expression of gratitude, or apology even when he left his mayoral position mid-term to pursue electoral campaigning.
“If he was unwell or busy elsewhere, he could still have sent his best wishes to fellow elected lawmakers via social media or stated the reason for his absence! There should be no issue with that,” she said. “It felt somewhat feudal to see all staff working hard while the leader is missing. Isn’t that right?”
A newly elected RSP lawmaker, believed to be close to Balen, claimed that Shah had no schedule to attend the program.
“There was no plan for him to attend,” the lawmaker said. “Different people may have different views. There are matters to prepare while leading the government. He is likely occupied discussing those. He is preparing for leadership in government.”
When Will the New Prime Minister Be Appointed?
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The Election Commission issued certificates to proportional representation-elected lawmakers on Falgun 21 (early March) and submitted a comprehensive report including election results to President Ramchandra Paudel the same day.
Out of the 275-seat House of Representatives, the RSP won 182 seats through direct and proportional systems combined.
Following the submission of the report to the president, the government formation process is set to proceed.
“This report will also be sent to the federal parliament. We will proceed with the process after consulting the parliamentary secretary,” said presidential spokesperson Ritesh Kumar Shakya.
Padma Prasad Pandey, Secretary of the Federal Parliament, confirmed receiving the election commission’s report and announced that the oath-taking ceremony is scheduled for Chaitra 12 (late March).
“We will issue a notice that the oath-taking will take place at 2 pm on Chaitra 12,” he told BBC.
Some insiders involved in the government formation process indicated that, in Nepal, it is customary for prime minister appointments to occur before lawmakers’ oath-taking when a party holds a majority.
However, RSP General Secretary Burlakoti informed that the party has not yet decided which procedure to adopt.
“Many things may happen around the lawmakers’ oath-taking. Since the oath-taking is set for Chaitra 12, the process shouldn’t become too prolonged,” he said. “It’s just a matter of whether it happens five days earlier or later. Usually, we prefer the prime minister to be appointed after the oath-taking.”
Discussions on this matter have been held between the parliamentary secretariat and representatives of various parties.
Pandey stated that the leading party prefers the prime minister to be appointed only after lawmakers have taken the oath.
Continuous Discussions Between Ravi and Balen
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Some RSP leaders have revealed that continuous discussions regarding government formation are underway between party president Ravi Lamichhane and senior leader Balen Shah.
However, Burlakoti mentioned that no personalized discussions have occurred about individuals the government might appoint.
“Top party leaders will be given ministerial selection rights because it is not feasible for everyone to vote individually,” he said. “Selections are made based on high-level discussions within the party, and at minimum, the executive committee is informed about these matters.”
Burlakoti asserted there appears to be no risk of conflict between Party President Lamichhane and senior leader Balen regarding policy and leadership.
“They have very good coordination and high-level understanding, and we are supporting them,” he added.
“The policy is collective, leadership will be apparent from the party, and all decisions will be made after consultation, so there is a positive alignment in policy and leadership,” Burlakoti concluded.
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