KATHMANDU, Dec 27: Negotiations between Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balen Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane to unite ahead of the March 5 House of Representatives (HoR) elections have moved in a positive direction, although a final agreement has yet to be reached.
The discussions, involving Balen, Rabi and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, aim to consolidate multiple political factions ahead of the upcoming HoR polls. Balen has been mobilising close associates to form the Desh Bikash Party, which has been registered with the Election Commission (EC), while Kulman has already registered the Ujyalo Nepal Party with the EC.
According to insiders, the RSP has shown flexibility by offering Balen the second position in the party and projecting him as the prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign.
Balen Shah open to PM candidacy for RSP-led alternative forces
On Thursday, Balen and Rabi met in Jawagal, Lalitpur, and agreed to hold decisive talks that would also include Ghising. Late-night discussions between Balen and Ghising reportedly laid the groundwork for unifying their forces and coordinating closely with the RSP.
By Friday, close aides from both sides—including Balen’s Chief Adviser Kumar Byanjankar and RSP leaders Asim Shah and Asif Shah—were working on a written draft of the agreement. Sources said the finalisation of the deal is being actively coordinated by Shishir Khanal on behalf of the RSP and Kumar Ben for Balen. However, they decided to put the decision on paper only on Saturday.
Byanjankar told Republica that Mayor Balen has so far declined to enter into a formal agreement solely with Lamichhane, insisting that other emerging political forces must also be included in any deal. He said Balen wants a broader alliance that brings together Rabi, Kulman Ghising and prominent Gen Z leaders under a shared understanding.
According to Byanjankar, an agreement involving Balen, Lamichhane and Ghising—along with Gen Z representatives—is likely to be made public as early as Saturday. He added that Balen remains encouraged by the positive response from the RSP and other leaders.
Byanjankar also downplayed the likelihood of Balen contesting the election under the Desh Bikash Party banner, saying “Plan B” remains a slim possibility. “Mayor Balen is positive about the ongoing talks and the flexibility shown by the RSP and other leaders,” he said.
Sources further said that the RSP has proposed a power-sharing arrangement that would allocate 40 percent to the RSP, 25 percent each to Balen and Ghising, and 10 percent to Gen Z activists. Balen, however, is reportedly exercising restraint and carefully weighing the broader balance of influence under the proposal.
“The talks are progressing well, but Balen is proceeding cautiously to ensure a fair balance of power,” a source said. “A written agreement could be finalised soon, with a public announcement expected on Saturday.”
The ongoing discussions represent a major effort to consolidate alternative political forces into a unified front, as leaders work to align leadership roles, electoral tickets and future governance plans ahead of the March 5 polls.
