Concerns Rise Over Growing Rift Between RSP Leader Ravi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Balendra Shah; Both Leaders Offer Similar Clarifications
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Concerns are growing over the widening distance between Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ and his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), centered on government operations and party portfolios, resulting in a prolonged period of responsibilities remaining unfulfilled. Both leaders have responded to questions on the issue.
While RSP leaders claim there is no cause for concern regarding the relationship between party chairman Ravi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Shah, a political analyst suggests a clear conflict of interest exists between the two.
Notably, some RSP parliamentarians have recently raised questions about the government’s approach to managing illegal settlements. Last week, the party and some leaders protested against vehicle checks being conducted at doorsteps, amid reports that government-supported RSP affiliates were involved in these actions.
Following reports that Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle was removed from certain trade discussions led by the Prime Minister, Wagle and Lamichhane had an extended discussion.
However, RSP General Secretary Bipin Acharya, considered close to Lamichhane, claimed that Wagle and Lamichhane’s meeting was not only about discussions over the widening gap with the Prime Minister but also included social interactions.
Why Is There a Delay in Official Appointments?
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RSP’s first general convention was held in Chitwan on June 26, where most party office bearers are considered close to Chairman Lamichhane. Party leaders say that senior leaders and eleven officials will be nominated by the chairman to accommodate the new factions within the party.
Despite the convention’s conclusion, the final decisions regarding the 51 central members and office bearers have yet to be made. Likewise, although Shah became a senior leader before the convention, he currently holds no central position.
General Secretary Acharya has assured there is no disagreement concerning Shah’s appointment to a senior leadership role.
“There is no uncertainty about this matter,” Acharya said, assuring that Shah will soon be assigned senior leadership responsibilities.
“The chairman has taken some time to address accommodation sentiments, so the delay in nominating central members is not due to interviews but to ensuring inclusivity. The upcoming central committee meeting will finalize these nominations.”
During last month’s party convention, Shah and his close allies were unable to secure candidacies for the central committee.
Leaders have suggested reaching consensus through nominations to include factions that did not secure many names initially.
“The nominations will need to include Balen Shah’s group, the Taruwa caste group, Bibeksheel Sajha, and members of Ujyalo Nepal,” said General Secretary Acharya.
According to the RSP constitution, no position can be held without central membership, so prioritizing central members is essential.
However, reports indicate that Lamichhane and Shah have yet to agree on central committee position allocations.
Last week, Lamichhane and Shah reportedly held a lengthy discussion about party matters, which Acharya confirmed pertained to party operations.
“When managing government responsibilities, the Prime Minister and party chairman discuss all government and party-related issues. Details on these discussions and their extent will be shared in the future,” Acharya said.
‘Their Interests Do Not Align’
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Columnist and political analyst Dambar Khatibada has stated that both Lamichhane and Prime Minister Shah make decisions based on the interests of their respective groups.
“There are 8-9 individuals within the Prime Minister’s team who carry their own interests. Lamichhane’s followers are a different group altogether, each with distinct agendas,” Khatibada noted.
“This evident conflict of interest is affecting government operations,” he added.
Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah hails from RSP, which was established four years ago ahead of February’s elections.
Shah’s close aides claim that it was thanks to him that the RSP achieved a two-thirds majority.
“The unfortunate reality is that the votes came in Shah’s name, but he lacks the maturity to govern. Chairman Ravi is also facing a moral crisis,” Khatibada remarked.
“However, political conflicts are common in Nepal’s history. Both the Congress and Communist parties have frequently experienced disputes. Such contradictions and power struggles are natural here,” he emphasized.
Khatibada also noted that while RSP has gained political success, it continues to struggle with institutional strengthening.
“Just as a basket with too many coins becomes heavy to carry, the RSP government is finding it difficult to maintain public support,” he added.
No Disagreement Between Ravi and Balen
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RSP leaders maintain that there is no internal conflict as suggested by external narratives.
Recently, RSP MP Punakar Bam, who raised questions on several government issues, said his inquiries are aimed at parliamentary debate and maintaining balance.
“The party, parliament, and government are distinct entities. We are working to harmonize them. Due to varied backgrounds, understanding may differ, but there is no leadership conflict,” Bam explained.
Bam also denied that delays in official appointments and central member nominations stem from internal disputes, saying the groups of Lamichhane and Shah have played roles in uniting the party.
Another RSP MP, KP Khanal, argued that raising public issues in parliament is simply an effort to attract government attention and should not be overanalyzed.
Khanal, considered close to the Prime Minister, also confirmed there is no disagreement over official appointments.
“The delay is due to the need for thorough study and discussion of names from various groups during party accommodation,” he said.
General Secretary Acharya noted that stylistic differences may arise due to inexperienced leadership in the party and government.
“Although government goals are sound, expected results have not yet materialized. However, there is strong coordination between the party and government,” Acharya said.
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