‘Leadership Will Be Chosen Through Democratic Process; Those Joining by Adjustment Will Not Be Affected’

The National Independent Party (Raswapa) is currently holding its first historic general convention in Chitwan. Having been established less than four years ago, Raswapa is organizing this inaugural convention, drawing from its experience in governance. About 4,000 representatives from across the country and abroad have gathered in Chitwan, preparing for the forthcoming closed session. An interview with Raswapa leader and MP Hari Dhakal regarding the internal party dynamics, policy and leadership debates, and the party’s future direction:

How is the preparation for the closed session? What is expected to happen next?

We are currently distributing delegate cards. Party and election committee members are actively engaged in this process. Though distributing cards to approximately 3,500 to 3,800 delegates is somewhat complex, progress is swift.

Once the first phase of delegate card distribution is complete, the closed session will officially begin. Subsequently, the party chair will present the political report, the general secretary will submit the organizational report, and the treasurer will deliver the financial report. Only after these reports are approved will the election process proceed.

General conventions usually involve extensive discussions on policy and leadership. You mentioned the chair would present the political document—can you share any insights about its content?

Prior to this, we have held the Jaleshwor meeting in Mahottari, the National Assembly in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, and the second National Assembly in Sauraha, Chitwan, last Ashoj. While the party’s policy and constitution have existed earlier, the chairperson will now submit the political report incorporating the core elements of documents passed during these meetings.

Previously, there were misconceptions that Raswapa lacked clear policy. We have dispelled such misunderstandings progressively from Jaleshwor onwards. Some had commented without reviewing our documents. The chair’s report will comprise the revised subjects from Jaleshwor, Kamaladi, and Sauraha.

How significant or challenging is this convention for Raswapa?

This is our first historic general convention—such events are rare globally. Within less than four years since establishment, the party has achieved about two-thirds majority in governance seats and is now conducting this convention.

While still in the process of party building, having governance experience and with nationwide supporters and comrades working hard, the party is steadily strengthening.

There had been concerns about internal conflicts or old-style factionalism within Raswapa. How effectively did the open session address these concerns?

Yesterday’s open session completely removed these doubts. Some had hoped to find disputes within the party for political gain; their hopes ended with that session.

The message from yesterday’s platform regarding the party chair and senior leaders is one of unanimous agreement. Both consensus and elections are valid democratic procedures. Some incorrectly believe consensus is not democratic, which is a misunderstanding.

Once the closed session concludes successfully, all doubts will be erased. This convention will send a strong message that Raswapa is capable of leading the nation for the coming decade. I reiterate—this convention will empower Raswapa to be a leadership force for the country’s future.

How do leaders view internal power dynamics and the party’s future direction?

Our respected Manish Jha recently made an important statement, which I want to echo. He said— ‘Until Falgun, we had not built assets, only earned gains. After the convention, we will convert those gains into permanent assets.’

This means the triumph and leadership display in Falgun were temporary gains, but now we will establish this as permanent institutional assets. This political asset will not serve personal interests but will be dedicated to all citizens’ welfare and good governance and prosperity of the nation.

What are the plans for local-level party structures and election preparations post-convention?

A strong organizational structure is being developed nationwide. After the convention, we will conduct nationwide training programs within these structures.

Lower-level committees will be empowered ideologically and organizationally. We are fully prepared for upcoming local elections, and strengthening these structures is our priority.

How is the concept of ‘Leadership Academy’ and ‘Candidate Club’ incorporated in the convention?

These are distinctive party concepts. During the closed session, representatives from across the country will be introduced to these ideas and will take them back to their regions.

This first general convention has sent two clear signals: First, there are no internal conflicts after forming the government, and second, Raswapa is capable of governing for many decades ahead.

Is there still a risk of small factions forming within the party?

As a member of the party secretariat, I see no such indications. While conspiracy theories abound in our society, we must distance ourselves from them.

We aim to create a neutral and peaceful society. Politics should coexist with social and academic debates.

Political overexertion has distracted attention from other areas; we are striving to change this trend.

How does Raswapa practice democratic and cultured political traditions?

After winning elections, we avoided extravagant victory celebrations. Older parties often compete in numbers during conventions, but despite hosting this event in Chitwan, we refrained from that.

This will establish us as the first party practicing cultured and refined political behavior.

How will leadership selection be conducted? What is the preparation status?

There is near-unanimity about the party chair and senior leadership, based largely on yesterday’s session. Both consensus and elections are democratic processes.

We will keep both consensus and elections open. Delegates will freely choose leadership in the closed session based on their discretion.

There is talk about leaders who joined by adjustment securing positions with competition among veteran members. How is this dynamic?

This is a natural question. Since many longtime active members have contributed from the founding days, competition among them is natural as well.

However, our party chair always emphasizes— ‘I will always promote those who are behind.’ We followed this practice even while joining the government.

The convention intends to bring forward those previously less prominent members, which is a very natural and positive development. Therefore, those joining through adjustment will face no difficulties.

Why was Chitwan chosen as the venue for the first historic general convention? Does this convey a particular message?

There are special and emotional reasons behind selecting Chitwan. Even before the party was founded, a deep emotional connection existed between Chitwan’s citizens and party chair Ravi Lamichhane. Hence, Chitwan is also called our ’emotional capital.’

Chitwan represents a mini Nepal, home to residents from all 77 districts. Although Kathmandu could have been an option, we were cautious about the traffic and inconvenience to the public and logistical challenges during the convention.

We want to set an example of deep friendship and democratic culture among competitors for the country and the world.

There were no traffic jams or inconveniences here. Due to excellent hospitality and warmth, the central committee chose Chitwan.

As a Chitwan MP and party leader, what candidacy plans do you have? What role will you play in the election process?

I have a fixed plan for leadership selection. First, I will participate in the open election for central member, then contest for an official post.

Which post are you aiming for? Competition will be tough, right?

I can’t disclose the post now, but I will run for an official position. Competition among veteran colleagues is significant. We hope to make this a contest marked by camaraderie, with a strong display of heartfelt and democratic culture at the convention.

Will leaders who joined by adjustment participate in the election process?

Yes, they will be included in the election process. We have worked internally to ensure those who joined by adjustment do not feel marginalized or discouraged by being in a minority.

What is the atmosphere like in the closed session hall? How enthusiastic are the delegates?

The enthusiasm is unprecedented. Around 4,000 delegates from inside and outside the country are participating. This reflects the strong public confidence in Raswapa and underlines the political significance of this convention.

How are arrangements for accommodation and food for nearly 4,000 delegates in this warm weather?

We have arranged comfortable accommodations in hotels ranging from eastern Chitwan’s Sauraha to western Bharatpur and Meghauli. As Chitwan is the host district, 18 subcommittees were formed involving locals, each managing various logistical aspects.

Chitwan excels in hospitality. Hotel operators have offered discounts and facilitated room bookings. Though the weather is hot, air-conditioned rooms are adequately available. Based on my interactions with delegates, their stays have been comfortable with no complaints.