Gen Z Protest and Balen-Rabi Unity Deal

The agreement between Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah to contest the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election together signals significant political realignments ahead of the polls. Under the deal reached on Sunday morning, RSP will field Balen as its prime ministerial candidate, while Lamichhane will continue as party chair, and the party’s election symbol will remain unchanged. Balen, who enjoys broad support among the youth, and the RSP, which has a nationwide organization, are expected to benefit mutually from the collaboration. With Lamichhane barred from holding public office due to pending court cases, the decision to field Balen is understandable. For Balen, the RSP’s organizational base across the country offers a strategic vehicle to expand his political influence, making this a win-win arrangement for both sides. With another agreement to bring Kulman Ghising-backed Ujyalo Nepal party to its fold on Monday, with Ghising as Senior Vice President, the RSP has emerged as a formidable force to challenge the old parties like the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.