RSP pushes for inclusivity in party structure, Madheshi community welcomes move

CHITWAN, June 22: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has moved to make its organisational structure more inclusive by amending its party statute, a decision that has been welcomed by communities expected to benefit from the changes.

The party’s revised provisions aim to ensure greater representation of women, Indigenous groups, Madheshis and Dalits. Under the amendment, one of the central vice-chairperson positions must be held by a woman, representing the country’s female population, which makes up nearly half of the population.

Among the 99 elected central committee members, 35 seats—five representatives from each province—have been made fully inclusive. The statute also requires at least two women representatives from each province.

Based on provincial demographics, Gandaki and Koshi provinces will each reserve one seat for Indigenous communities. Similarly, Sudurpashchim and Koshi provinces must have one Dalit representative each. Lumbini will reserve one seat for the Tharu community, while Madhesh Province will ensure representation of Madhesi Dalits, incorporating the principle of inclusivity into the party structure.

Convention representatives from Madhesh Province expressed happiness over the changes, saying the principle of inclusion provides equal opportunities and recognition to all individuals and communities.

They said the approach would help bring people from diverse backgrounds, abilities and experiences into the party, society and decision-making processes, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Uday Kumar Sah, a convention representative from Dhanusha district, said traditional parties had failed to prioritise inclusive representation and had therefore lost public trust. He expressed satisfaction that the RSP appeared to be ahead of other parties on inclusivity.

Similarly, Binod Kumar Shah from Mahottari suggested that the party should formulate policies and programmes that include people from all classes, genders and communities, particularly those from marginalised backgrounds.

Aagya Katuwal from Sarlahi welcomed the effort to make the party fully inclusive. “The party committees should be formed in a way that understands the problems of people at the grassroots level,” she said, adding that inclusivity should respect social diversity and help strengthen party unity.

Likewise, Sudarshan Pandit from Bara said older parties had weakened because they failed to listen to the concerns of citizens from different communities and regions. He expressed confidence that the RSP’s inclusive approach would focus on the interests of the country and its people.

Sagar Kumar Giri, also from Bara, said the party should continue embracing inclusivity by ensuring representation of all sections of society. He stressed the need to build organisational structures from the central level to the grassroots that reflect the voices of ordinary citizens.

The closed session of the RSP’s first national convention is currently underway in Chitwan. The party has said that the proposed statute amendments aimed at increasing inclusivity will particularly benefit women, Dalits, Indigenous groups and other underrepresented communities.