Balen rises to RSP’s second spot behind Rabi

KATHMANDU: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) has formally opened the door to collaboration with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

On Sunday morning, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Mayor Balen Shah reached a seven-point strategic agreement, ensuring Balen’s position within the party’s leadership.

Under the agreement, Balen will hold the second-highest rank in the party, immediately after President Lamichhane.

While the signed memorandum does not explicitly define his official post, both sides have agreed to project him as the party’s “Prime Ministerial candidate” for upcoming elections and as the “Leader of the Parliamentary Party” afterward.

A source close to Balen emphasized that the deal was aimed at addressing the country’s political challenges rather than securing personal positions. Balen’s aide, KP Khanal, confirmed, “During the negotiations, Balen did not demand any personal post or title. His primary focus was on finding a way forward for the nation. However, as the future Prime Ministerial candidate and parliamentary leader, he will naturally occupy the party’s second tier.”

While the agreement does not specify the number of representatives from Balen’s faction in the central committee, it commits to giving competent young leaders and experts key responsibilities. The memorandum states, “Following party unification, capable youth and experienced professionals will be entrusted with responsibilities, with merit, public image, and inclusivity as the guiding criteria.”

Political analysts note that this alliance unites key forces advocating for an alternative political path.

The collaboration between these two influential leaders, popular among the youth, is expected to have far-reaching implications for the upcoming elections and the country’s overall political landscape.