CHITWAN: The first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) officially commenced in Bharatpur, marked by high-profile political attendance and a brief disruption due to weather.

Prime Minister and senior leader Balendra Shah stood alongside RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane to greet convention delegates, with the Prime Minister seated in close proximity to Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa and Chairman Lamichhane.

Although a sudden downpour initially caused chaos and forced attendees to scatter for shelter—briefly delaying the inaugural session as General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti urged participants to find cover—the event successfully got underway once the rain subsided.

The convention was uniquely inaugurated by ringing bells, the party’s official symbol, with General Secretary Burlakoti inviting all attending opposition leaders to join in the bell-ringing ceremony to mark the official opening.