KATHMANDU, Dec 26: 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 proposing to field him as a candidate while projecting him as the prime ministerial candidate during the election campaign.
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On Thursday, Balen and Rabi met in Jawagal, Lalitpur, and agreed to hold decisive talks that would also include Kulman. Late-night discussions between Balen and Kulman 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.
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 Kulman, 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 written agreement could be finalised today, with a public announcement possible tomorrow,” a source said.
The ongoing discussions represent a major effort to consolidate alternative political forces into a unified front, with all sides working to balance leadership roles, electoral tickets and future governance plans.
