KATHMANDU, March 21: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has emerged as the largest party in parliament following its stunning electoral victory, is preparing to form a leaner government, with plans to limit the number of ministries to a maximum of 18 as part of its push for a “smart” cabinet.
Senior leaders, including party chair Rabi Lamichhane and prime minister-designate Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, have been holding a series of consultations to finalise the structure of the new government. In the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) election, RSP secured a near two-thirds majority, winning 125 seats under the First-Past-the-Post (FPTP) system and 57 under Proportional Representation (PR) seats in the 275-member HoR—positioning itself to form a government without support from other parties.
Party insiders said discussions are centred on building a compact and efficient executive, in line with commitments made in the party’s election pledges. While leaders are exploring the possibility of reducing ministries to as few as 15, the upper limit is expected to be set at 18—down from the current 22 ministries, including the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
A senior party leader said the focus is on forming a capable and streamlined cabinet that can deliver results. The leader said preparations are underway to form the cabinet simultaneously with the prime minister’s swearing-in.
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Preliminary deliberations have also begun on key ministerial appointments. Vice Chair Dol Prasad Aryal is widely expected to be assigned the Home Ministry, while another Vice Chair, Swarnim Wagle, is likely to take charge of the Finance Ministry. Discussions had earlier also considered General Secretary Sunil Lamsal for a key portfolio.
According to party sources, the selection criteria prioritise competence, delivery capacity, and a clean public image. The party plans to appoint ministers who can work efficiently with professional teams and deliver tangible results.
While the Health Ministry remains undecided, with Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa and Dr. Tosima Karki under consideration, Shishir Khanal’s name is under discussion for appointment to Foreign Affairs. Similarly, Sasmit Pokhrel is being considered for Education, Manish Jha as Speaker, and Sobita Gautam for the Law Ministry, although no final decisions have been made.
Top RSP leaders also met on Thursday evening at Royal Singhi Hotel in Kathmandu to further refine the cabinet framework and power-sharing arrangements. Additional names, including Rajunath Pandey, are being discussed for ministerial roles, according to party sources.
The swearing-in schedule has been finalised, with newly elected lawmakers set to take the oath on March 26, followed by Balen’s oath as prime minister on March 27.
According to RSP General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti, the parliamentary party leader will be chosen unanimously, reflecting a consensus among elected members. The decision is expected to be formally endorsed by the party’s central committee on March 26.
