KATHMANDU, Dec 26: Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, who had earlier ruled out contesting the federal election or forming his own political party, has intensified political engagements ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) polls.
Balen’s discussions with political leaders gained momentum following his second meeting with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane on December 23, which lasted nearly six hours. He has also met several other political figures, including former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Minister Kulman Ghising of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Nepali Congress leader Dr. Sunil Sharma, Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi, Gen Z activists, and others.
According to multiple sources, the talks have focused on whether Balen should form his own political party or align with the RSP. People close to both leaders earlier told Republica that discussions included the possibility of projecting Balen as a prime ministerial candidate.
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Balen’s aides confirmed that he is exploring alignment with the RSP. A group within the RSP close to Balen has reportedly been trying to persuade Lamichhane on this matter. However, Lamichhane—recently released on bail—is said to remain unconvinced. He is facing multiple court cases related to cooperative fraud, which could legally bar him from holding public office, although he is eligible to contest the March 5 elections.
It remains unclear whether the RSP has formally offered Balen leadership of its election campaign or a prime ministerial position. While Balen’s advisors had claimed such an offer was made, Lamichhane denied it, saying media reports misinterpreted their one-on-one discussion. After today’s meeting, Lamichhane, who is usually media-friendly, declined to comment on power-sharing discussions.
Meanwhile, Balen continued meeting leaders from various parties at a gathering organised by his secretariat member Kumar Byanjankar (Ben), close aide and RSP central committee member Ganesh Karki, and actor-director Nischal Basnet.
Balen also met Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising at Ben’s residence in Kupandol. Ghising, who leads the Ujyalo Nepal Party with the election symbol of a light bulb, is considered a strong contender among alternative political forces. He is widely credited for his tenure as Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, during which load-shedding was ended nationwide. Balen’s aides said the discussion with Ghising focused on building unity among alternative and new political forces.
Another leader Balen met was Rastriya Prajatantra Party lawmaker Gyanendra Shahi. Speaking to the media afterward, Shahi emphasised the need for unity among youth and alternative political forces, stating that all 165 constituencies must be contested to ensure national development and meet public aspirations. Shahi had held similar discussions with Balen the previous day.
Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai also met Balen briefly at the same venue, encouraging him to unite alternative forces and bring young leaders together to deliver the change the public desires. Reportedly, Balen also met Nepali Congress leader Dr. Sunil Sharma during the series of consultations.
