The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has finalised the names of ministers to be appointed in the government led by Balendra Shah.

The Post compiled the list after speaking with multiple sources, including some individuals who are expected to be part of the cabinet.

The home ministry, which was claimed by several RSP leaders, will be allocated to Sudan Gurung. Gurung, who rose to prominence during the Gen Z movement, was elected from Gorkha-2.

RSP vice-chair Swarnim Wagle is set to become the minister for Finance. He is an expert on economic affairs and was elected twice from Tanahun-1 to the House of Representatives, including the March 5 parliamentary elections.

Shishir Khanal will be the minister for Foreign Affairs. He heads the RSP’s foreign affairs department.

Similarly, Khadka Raj (Ganesh) Paudel will be appointed the minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. A writer, he was elected from Kaski-1. Dipak Sah from Mahottari will serve as minister for Labour and Employment.

Sasmit Pokharel, elected from Kathmandu-5, has been finalised as the minister for Education, Science and Technology, and Youth and Sports. Bikram Timilsina will take charge of the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology.

Pratibha Rawal will serve as the minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, and Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation. She has a background in journalism and was elected under the proportional representation system. Rawal is also the party’s co-spokesperson.

Biraj Bhakta Shrestha will be the minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation. A Kathmandu-based leader, he previously served as the parliamentary party leader of the RSP.

Gita Chaudhary will handle the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Forest and Environment. She was elected under proportional representation and joined the RSP shortly before the elections. She also serves as an advocate.

Sobita Gautam will be the minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs. A legal expert, she defeated former Bharatpur mayor Renu Dahal in Chitwan-3 in the March 5 parliamentary elections.

Sita Badi will be the minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, while Sunil Lamsal will take care of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development. Nisha Mehata will take charge of the Ministry of Health and Population, and Water Supply. 

The list of ministers was finalised following discussions between RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah earlier on Friday. A final list is being prepared for submission to the President’s Office.