The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured nearly a two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives election held on March 5, has begun formal discussions on government formation.
In line with its "commitment paper" (manifesto) issued before the election, the party is working on reducing the number of ministries. Internal discussions are also underway regarding potential Cabinet appointments.
According to a party office-bearer, there are plans to cap the number of ministries between 15 and 18. Discussions are also centering on appointing both Vice-presidents, DP Aryal and Swornim Wagle, as ministers. The office-bearer said that Aryal is being considered for home minister and Wagle for finance minister.
General Secretary Sunil Lamsal, spokesperson Manish Jha, and lawmakers including Shishir Khanal, Sobita Gautam, Rajunath Pandey, and Sasmit Pokharel are also being discussed for Cabinet roles, according to the office-bearer.
"Discussions on appointing Shishir as foreign minister and Sobita as law minister are ongoing," the office-bearer said. "The party president has talked about giving the speaker's post to a youth, but no name has been finalized yet."
General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said that along with government formation, the party is discussing inviting foreign heads of state for the prime minister’s swearing-in ceremony.
The Federal Parliament Secretariat is preparing to organize the swearing-in ceremony for new lawmakers on March 26. The following day, RSP senior leader Balen Shah is expected to take the oath of office as prime minister.
On Thursday evening, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane, senior leader Shah, and Vice-presidents Aryal and Wagle met in Kathmandu to discuss preparations for government formation and other matters.
