Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah addressed the first national convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), describing the event as a crucial step in transforming the party from a movement driven by public sentiment into a strong institutional political force.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony in Bharatpur, Shah emphasized that RSP must remain united, responsible, and development-oriented to preserve the trust it has earned from the public. He argued that the party’s rapid rise was not the result of a temporary political trend but a reflection of the people’s desire for meaningful change.

“We did not create a breeze; we redirected the river with a flood,” Shah said, explaining that once a river returns to its natural course, it continues flowing in the right direction.

According to Shah, RSP is not confined to traditional left-wing or right-wing ideologies. Instead, it is focused on development, good governance, and delivering tangible results. He stressed that any misuse of public resources, corruption, or irregularities should be addressed through proper legal and institutional mechanisms.

On issues related to national borders, Shah maintained that Nepal possesses sufficient evidence regarding disputed territories such as Kalapani and Lipulekh. He reiterated his commitment to protecting national interests and sovereignty.

Addressing convention delegates, Shah urged party members to avoid factionalism and internal divisions. He stated that political leadership should be earned through public trust rather than through group-based power struggles.

He also called on party members to focus on nation-building, strengthening governance, and meeting public expectations over the next five years. Shah added that RSP should continue solving existing problems and move forward with new agendas rather than repeating old political promises.