Nepal, March 20 -- The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) organized an orientation program for 182 lawmakers at a luxury hotel, but party leader Balen Shah, expected to lead the government, was absent. Chairman Rabi Lamichhane attended on the second day and urged newly elected lawmakers not to go against the public mandate that gave the party a strong victory.

The party includes individuals with experience in administration, security agencies, and social activism. Addressing them, Lamichhane said the public had given a clear mandate to overcome obstacles and deliver results. However, Shah's absence disappointed many lawmakers. While no official reason was given, sources said he was busy forming a new government team. Shah, a former mayor of...