Balendra Shah (Balen), who became the senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) after resigning as the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is heading to the party office, 'Ghantighar,' for the second time today. Following the oath-taking ceremony of the newly elected MPs today (Chaitra 12) at 2 PM, he is scheduled to attend the Central Committee meeting held at the central office in Banasthali.
Previously, Balen visited the party office for the first time on Magh 4 while assuming the role of senior leader. At that time, welcomed by Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, both had rung the bell together. However, he arrived at 3:43 PM and left by 3:53 PM, spending a mere 10 minutes there. Analysts suggest that Balen avoids visiting the party office unless it serves his personal interests, such as assuming an office or, currently, becoming the parliamentary party leader. It is widely perceived that today's meeting with the MPs was scheduled at the party office specifically to ensure Balen's physical presence.
The primary objective of today's meeting is to select the RSP's parliamentary party leader. According to democratic norms, sovereign MPs should choose their parliamentary leader themselves through voting or consensus. However, within the RSP, preparations are underway to appoint Balen as the leader through the Central Committee meeting. Rushing the MPs to the party office like a herd of sheep immediately after their swearing-in is being viewed with significant political meaning. This move makes it evident that rather than allowing the parliamentary party to remain independent, the Central Committee intends to keep it completely under its control.
Despite extensive preparations and public interest, it remains uncertain whether Balen will actually attend today's Central Committee meeting. It is yet to be seen how he will be appointed as the parliamentary party leader through the Central Committee's intervention, thereby bypassing the rights of sovereign MPs. The power plays and dramatic developments unfolding within the RSP are currently presenting a spectacle no less thrilling than a movie, providing the nation with free entertainment.
