KATHMANDU, JUNE 21

Prime Minister and senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balendra Shah, on Sunday said the government is moving like an "express train" and will stop only after reaching its intended destination.

Addressing the inaugural session of the party's first general convention, PM Shah said critics who warn that "constant acceleration may cause an accident" should wait for the outcome of the government's course of action.

"The government is like a train on an expressway. It will apply brakes only after reaching its destination," he said.

He urged political forces to respect the people's mandate and said the RSP is a "progressive, work-oriented party" that rejects revenge politics and disputes over past issues.

Stating that the government would take strict action against misuse of state resources, Shah said all actions would remain within constitutional and legal frameworks.

"The government does not violate rules. It works within them," he said.

On foreign policy, he reiterated Nepal's claim over Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh, saying the government has evidence supporting Nepal's sovereignty over the territories and would resolve border issues through dialogue with neighbouring countries.

He also urged party leaders to avoid factionalism, saying leadership should be based on public trust rather than internal group support.

"We must not replicate old party practices of factions and sub-factions," he said.

Shah added that the RSP would focus on resolving issues related to squatters and cooperative fraud during its current term, while preparing a "new agenda" for upcoming elections.

Calling for unity within the party, he said all members-from ministers to cadres-share collective responsibility.

"Let us think about the party today and tomorrow, and then about the country for the next five years," he said.