Aagya Khabar
Kathmandu

Kathmandu: As the process of the first provincial conventions of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has begun, internal dissatisfaction within the party has started to surface publicly. The conventions have been affected in some provinces due to the failure to reach consensus on leadership selection, while disputes continue even after leadership has been elected in certain places.

In Koshi Province, although Chandra Rai was elected as the provincial chairperson after a contest for the position, controversy arose afterward. Goma Tamang (Sarin), the outgoing acting chairperson who was defeated in the election, has accused the central leadership of influencing the election process and affecting the outcome. Claiming that pressure and directives were used against her from higher levels, she has announced her decision to leave the party.

The Tamang faction has also accused some central office bearers and lawmakers of openly campaigning in favor of a particular candidate. Although the party leadership had instructed members not to participate in the election through panels, it has been reported that group-based competition took place in Koshi Province.

Meanwhile, the Bagmati Province convention has been temporarily halted after disputes emerged regarding the voter list and adjustment process. Similarly, in Madhesh Province, the provincial convention has been postponed indefinitely as conventions in most districts have not yet been completed.

As the RSP is preparing to hold its first National General Convention from Asar 7 to 9, the disputes and dissatisfaction seen at the provincial level have become an additional challenge for the party leadership, according to discussions in political circles. Analysts have suggested that the factional polarization witnessed during the provincial conventions could also affect the atmosphere of the upcoming General Convention.