🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Landscape Witnesses Major Alliance Forged By Media Personality and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance comes in the aftermath of widespread and fatal youth-led protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the removal of the sitting government. A Pledge to Address Young People's Demands Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly pledged to prioritize the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that occurred in September, which resulted in considerable casualties. "Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the nation requires," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was signed. The September uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action served as a spark for underlying discontent stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption. Terms of the New Political Agreement According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's nominee for the position of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he founded the RSP in 2022, channeling widespread public dissatisfaction with the country's established political leadership. He has previously served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently released on bail in a case involving reported cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He played a role in forming the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved. Broader Government Consultations Underway In a related development, the sitting interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political leaders. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such dialogue since the time of the protests. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to emphasize that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's commitment to guaranteeing a secure and open environment for the polls, adding that efforts are being made to remove any room for doubt.