KATHMANDU, Oct 29: Following the recent Gen-Z movement, Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah appears to be at a crossroads, uncertain whether to back a new political party or collaborate with the existing Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Balen, who is said to be behind the recent Gen Z movement, is reportedly deliberating whether to support the new party being formed by leaders such as Sumana Shrestha and Nischal Basnet or align with RSP, which has recently signaled backing for a new party president after replacing Rabi Lamichhane. At the same time, he is also weighing support to the party Shrestha, a former RSP leader, is planning to lead, though its structure and leadership are not yet finalized.
RSP, which considers itself a mainstream party, had opposed making a new person its president. This has shifted Balen’s focus toward supporting the new party initiative. Lamichhane reportedly stated that he would step down only if Balen himself led the party, otherwise no external leader would be introduced, which temporarily halted dialogue between Balen and RSP.
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In parallel, Balen is in discussions with other independent leaders including fellow mayor Gopi Hamal and Gen-Z representative Sudan Gurung about forming a new political entity. Following the groundwork laid by Dharan Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Harka Sampang, independent leaders are actively preparing to launch a new party. Another group led by Miraj Dhungana has already announced plans to register a party, though details remain unclear.
Balen’s group had initially proposed Energy Minister Kulman Ghising as RSP Chairman, but the party rejected this. RSP’s Joint-General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti emphasized that broad political consultations are ongoing, focusing on institutionalizing the Gen-Z movement rather than deciding individual roles. A high-level talks committee led by Vice-Chair Swarnim Wagle has been formed to facilitate discussions. Some responsibilities for the dialogue have also been assigned to Pukar Bam.
RSP Central Member Deepak Bohora, who opposes Lamichhane stepping down, has expressed his opinion publicly, indirectly confirming that Balen sought to support a new leader within RSP. Some youth leaders suggest Balen is encouraging Shrestha and Nischal to proceed with a new party after ruling out forming his own. Balen has also indicated that if the new party unites youth nationwide, he would offer his support.
Sources indicate that Santosh Giri may be appointed as organizational head of the new party Balen intends to back. This emerging party is expected to bring together current Gen-Z representatives, former members of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, ex-Nepali Congress and UML leaders, and prominent activists and artists from the movement’s forefront. However, Balen himself is unlikely to take a leading role; his involvement would mainly be in support rather than direct leadership.
