Political agreement between RSP & Mayor Shah, who stood as witness?

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Mayor of Kathmandu Municipal Corporation Balendra Shah have reached a seven-point agreement on various issues in the lead up to the upcoming March 5 elections to the House of Representatives.

The agreement was reached this morning and was signed by RSP President Rabi Lamichhane and Mayor Shah.

According to the agreement made public over the social media, the movement against corruption and bad governance waged by the youths shall be owned, and the demands of the injured and martyred families will be appropriately addressed.

Similarly, it has been agreed that Rabi Lamichhane will remain the central president of the party while Balendra Shah will be the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

He will be the leader of the parliamentary party following the elections.

The name of the political party and its election symbol will be that of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and party’s office in Kathmandu.

Issues such as involving youth in the party’s organizational structure have been included.

Furthermore, the updated structure of the party following the agreement shall be registered at the Election Commission, while a call shall be made to all alternative political forces to join the RSP.

Who Witnessed the Signing?

From the RSP side, a high-level leadership team was present during the signing. Party Vice-Chair DP Aryal, prominent policy strategist Dr Swarnim Wagle, and senior leader Shishir Khanal attended the ceremony.

RSP leader and artist Asim Shah was also among the witnesses, adding to the symbolic diversity of the gathering.

Observers noted that the presence of figures ranging from economists to education experts highlighted the agreement’s intent to project a blend of political vision, policy depth, and long-term strategy rather than a purely electoral understanding.

Mayor Balen Shah was accompanied by his close aides and representatives of the younger, Gen Z-influenced political movement.

Members of his secretariat — Kumar Ben, Sudip Dhakal, and Bhupdev Shah — were present at the signing.

Youth movement leader KP Khanal also attended, underlining the role of young activists in shaping the emerging political alignment.

The agreement also drew support from the arts and cultural sector. Renowned filmmaker and actor Nischal Basnet was present as a witness, signaling solidarity from the creative community.

Basnet, known for his outspoken stance on social issues, was seen as representing civil society’s backing for what is being framed as an alternative political model.

How the Agreement Was Signed

According to sources, the agreement was finalized in a calm, late-night setting after prolonged deliberations. As dawn approached, Lamichhane and Shah formally signed the document.

Following the signing, the two leaders shared a brief embrace and posed for a collective photograph with all witnesses, capturing what participants described as a historic political moment.

Political Roadmap Ahead

Under the agreement, Balen Shah will contest future elections as a prime ministerial candidate under the RSP banner, using the party’s election symbol, the bell. Ravi Lamichhane will continue to lead and strengthen the party’s organizational structure.

Political analysts say the breadth and stature of the witnesses indicate that the pact is not a short-term arrangement but a long-range political strategy, aimed at reshaping Nepal’s alternative political landscape with support from youth, intellectuals, and civil society alike.

Agreement: