KATHMANDU: Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, has fallen ill and returned to Kathmandu from Surkhet by air on Thursday evening for further treatment and rest.

According to a leader of RSP, Shah experienced health issues while staying in Surkhet.

Although the exact nature of his illness has not been disclosed, he was advised to return to Kathmandu for medical care and recovery.

“After his health condition worsened, he was sent back to Kathmandu,” the party leader said. “Due to his illness, it is uncertain whether he will be able to attend Friday’s scheduled program in Dang. However, if his health improves, he is expected to participate in the program in Bhairahawa.”

RSP had planned a special province-level election-focused program in Ghorahi, Dang, on Friday.

Both party President Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah were scheduled to address the event.

News of Shah’s first-ever visit to Dang had generated significant excitement among locals and supporters, with crowds gathering at several locations to welcome him.

Earlier on Thursday, RSP unveiled its 100-point “pledge” from Surkhet, the capital of Karnali Province, in the presence of senior leader Balen Shah.

KATHMANDU: Rabi Lamichhane, chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), emphasized that safeguarding democracy is the responsibility of the people, not individual leaders or political parties.

Speaking at an event in Karnali on Thursday, Lamichhane criticized recent statements claiming democracy is under threat, indirectly targeting former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. “If democracy was ever in danger, that threat has already flown away in a helicopter. Democracy will remain safe until that helicopter lands in Singha Durbar or Baluwatar,” he remarked.

Highlighting the ultimate power of citizens’ votes, he questioned skeptics who claim elections cannot deliver solutions: “If elections cannot provide an answer, then what will—protests?” Lamichhane clarified that RSP seeks change through ballots, not bloodshed. “We want to transform through votes. Not a single drop of blood will be spilled,” he stated.

He challenged all parties concerned about democracy to unite and compete in the electoral arena. “Come to the competition of ‘Bell versus All,’ and let the people make the final decision,” he said.

RSP, he asserted, remains committed to democratic methods and principles, urging the government to ensure a peaceful election. “Only those who fear RSP should be afraid; the people need not fear anyone,” he added.

By releasing its pledge (manifesto) in Karnali—a province often considered backward—RSP claims to send a new message that no region will be left behind. Lamichhane stressed that the party is committed to changing the nation’s destiny through elections.

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Thursday released its comprehensive manifesto, ‘Pledge 2082,’ in a public gathering in Surkhet, Karnali Province, ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

The manifesto outlines extensive policy reforms across governance, economy, digital transformation, energy, education, health, diplomacy, and anti-corruption measures.

It also includes 100 foundational policy initiatives to guide the party’s proposed transformation.

Commitment to Social Justice and Accountability

RSP pledged to formally apologize to Dalit and marginalized communities for historical injustices and promised measures to prevent their recurrence.

The party also committed to fully implementing the investigation report on the Gen Z movement incidents of Bhadra 23–24.

Political and Constitutional Reforms

The party announced plans to introduce a directly elected executive system, full proportional parliamentary representation, and a framework where elected legislators cannot serve as ministers.

It aims to initiate a national debate for constitutional amendments promoting non-partisan local governance.

RSP also promised to audit all public officials’ assets, seize illegal holdings, and nationalize them where necessary.

Other measures include ending political affiliations in civil service, prohibiting the formation of party-affiliated organizations, and transforming the bureaucracy into a neutral, citizen-centric service structure.

Digital Government Services

RSP plans to fully digitize government services, establish an integrated national ID database, and implement a time-bound digital service delivery system.

The system will automatically hold officials accountable for delays, ensuring efficient governance.

Economic Growth and Fiscal Reform

The manifesto targets 7% annual economic growth over the next five years, aiming to raise per capita income to $3,000. Tax reforms include simplifying the system and reducing the burden on individuals and businesses.

The party also plans to eliminate around two dozen outdated laws, foster advanced public-private partnerships, and regulate the cooperative and microfinance sectors strictly, ensuring refunds to small savers within 100 days and establishing a unified savings protection fund.

Strategic Industries and Digital Parks

The party declared information technology a national strategic industry, aiming to increase IT exports from $1.5 billion to $30 billion in 10 years.

Plans include creating Digital Parks in all seven provinces to generate 500,000 jobs, regulate cryptocurrency, develop data centers, promote AI computing exports, and legally recognize remote work.

Energy and Infrastructure Initiatives

RSP announced a “Decade of Energy Development” with a goal of achieving 30,000 MW of installed capacity. Initiatives include single-window services for energy projects, expanded private sector participation, and long-term energy trade agreements with neighboring countries.

The party also presented a 50-year master plan for railway expansion, including an electric rail network from Mechi to Mahakali, branch lines to major cities, and integration with China–India rail networks.

Foreign Policy Vision

RSP outlined a balanced diplomacy approach to transform Nepal from a buffer state into a “Vibrant Bridge” connecting regional powers.

Policies include granting dual citizenship to overseas Nepalis, enabling overseas voting, and establishing a national knowledge bank.

Anti-Corruption and Political Ethics

The manifesto emphasizes maintaining zero tolerance for corruption, strengthening internal discipline mechanisms, and avoiding the political culture that has historically weakened governance.