Kathmandu, May 21 : Political and organizational activities within the Rastriya Swatantra Party have intensified ahead of its first historic general convention scheduled to be held in Chitwan in June.

Discussions within the party have grown around representation of various political groups integrated into the party, leadership selection methods and possible constitutional amendments. Before the elections, several groups including the Desh Vikas Party led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Bibeksheel Sajha Party, Hamro Party Nepal and groups linked to social and regional movements had joined forces under the RSP banner.

Speaking to reporters at the Federal Parliament premises, deputy parliamentary party leader Ganesh Parajuli said the party was working toward selecting leadership through consensus and democratic process. He stated that despite leaders coming from different political backgrounds, there was no room for factionalism within the party because all members shared the common goal of nation building.

Parajuli also said there was currently no alternative to party president Rabi Lamichhane and that the general convention would resolve all organizational matters democratically.

While top leaders have publicly maintained that Rabi Lamichhane will remain president and Prime Minister Balendra Shah will continue as senior leader, internal competition for key posts such as vice-president and general secretary has started to increase. Party sources say new faces are likely to enter leadership positions, including among vice-presidents.

The party has also initiated constitutional amendment discussions to make the convention more systematic. A task force led by Joint General Secretary Bipin Acharya is collecting suggestions from provincial to ward levels and is expected to prepare amendment proposals soon.

Meanwhile, the party’s Election Commission is discussing election modalities, including proposals to ensure 50 percent open and 50 percent inclusive representation in the central committee.

According to the party constitution, the central committee will consist of 129 members, including 99 elected directly through the general convention and 22 nominated by the party president. The seven provincial presidents will serve as ex-officio members, and at least one-third of the committee must consist of women.

The party has also mobilized MPs, office bearers and departmental leaders across the country to conduct ward, municipal and district-level sessions ahead of the convention.