Kathmandu – Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Sah has intensified political consultations, holding late-night discussions in Kupandol that stretched until midnight, amid growing speculation about his plan to form a new political party under his leadership. Participants in the meetings say the discussions focused on uniting emerging political forces, while Balen clearly signaled that he would not move forward under the leadership of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane.
Kupandol Discussions Until Midnight
Balen held separate and group discussions with political leaders, journalists, youth leaders, and activists at a residence in Kupandol, Lalitpur, late Wednesday night. Sources indicated that the talks would continue.
Leaders and representatives from RPP, Janmat Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal, and Zen–Z Front participated in the discussion. Nagarik Unmukti Party leader Resham Lal Chaudhary, Milan Pandey, Raksha Bam, and Sagar Dhakal were among those present. Journalists Suraj Singh Thakuri and Rishi Dhamala also joined the meeting, according to sources.
Proposal to Unite New Political Forces
Nagarik Unmukti Party leader Resham Lal Chaudhary confirmed his participation, stating that Balen proposed uniting new political forces as an alternative to traditional parties. However, there was no final decision, and further discussions are planned to explore the proposal.
“Balen ji proposed that new parties should come together and contest elections jointly as an alternative to old parties. Discussions like this should continue,” Chaudhary said.
No Party Under Rabi’s Leadership
The Kupandol discussions came days after a late-night meeting between Balen and RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane at Kamalpokhari on Monday. Although visuals of them leaving together in the same vehicle had fueled speculation of political unity, sources say no conclusion was reached.
Participants in Wednesday’s meeting said Balen made it clear that he would move forward under his own leadership, not under Lamichhane’s, indicating a consensus only on Balen’s intent but no collective decision.
“Even if there are discussions with Rabi, Balen wants to lead himself,” a participant said.
Desh Bikas Party and ‘Lauro’ Symbol
Sources indicated that Balen is inclined to lead the Desh Bikas Party and contest elections using the ‘baton’(Lauro), election symbol—the same symbol under which he won the Kathmandu mayoral election.
The Desh Bikas Party, previously known as Hamro Nepali Party, is currently chaired by Sandhya Khanal.
Jhapa-5 in Focus
Journalist Rishi Dhamala said Balen mentioned his intention to contest the federal election from Jhapa Constituency No. 5, a seat currently represented by CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli.
“Balen asked me where I would contest from and said he plans to contest from Jhapa-5,” Dhamala told.
