Kathmandu — Talks between Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) have reportedly reached a decisive stage, with sources claiming that the two leaders have agreed to move forward together politically.
According to a reliable source familiar with the discussions, Lamichhane and Shah held two rounds of one-on-one meetings, following which both sides began internal preparations to finalize a draft agreement. The technical work related to the proposed understanding is said to be ongoing.
Proposed framework under discussion
Sources claim that under the tentative understanding:
Rabi Lamichhane would continue as Chair of the Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP)
Balendra Shah would be projected as the party’s prime ministerial candidate in the upcoming election
Shah would accept the party’s policy line, organizational structure, flag, and election symbol
There would be no changes to the current RSP office bearers
However, Balen Shah is not expected to take any formal organizational post within the party, according to those involved in the talks.
“Almost everything has been agreed in principle — leadership, party structure, and election strategy. The first prime ministerial candidate would be Balen,” the source said, adding that the agreement could be signed as early as this evening, if consensus is maintained.
Gen-Z representation emerges as key issue
While the core understanding is said to have been reached on Thursday, discussions reportedly slowed after Gen-Z and alternative political representatives sought clarity on their role and representation within the proposed alliance.
Following this, Shah is said to have held separate consultations with various political groups, including Gen-Z leaders, throughout the day. Sources indicate that both Lamichhane and Shah share a common view that Gen-Z representation should be secured through electoral processes, rather than nomination.
Negotiation teams involved
From the RSP side, Vice Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle, Secretariat member Shishir Khanal, and Central Committee member Asim Shah are said to be involved in the technical discussions. Kumar Ben, a close advisor to Mayor Shah, is participating from Shah’s side.
No official confirmation yet
Neither RSP nor Mayor Shah has issued an official statement confirming the alliance or its terms. Political observers caution that, while the talks appear significant, formal confirmation and documentation will be decisive in determining the future political course.
If finalized, the alliance would represent one of the most consequential realignments in post-Bhadra 23–24 Nepali politics, bringing together the country’s most prominent alternative party leader and its most visible independent urban executive.
