Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) has agreed to unite with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The agreement was reached after two rounds of one-on-one discussions between Balen and RSP Chair Ravi Lamichhane, during which both leaders agreed to stand together politically.
According to reliable sources, both sides are currently engaged in internal preparations to finalize the technical aspects of the agreement. As per the understanding, Balen is ready to accept the RSP’s policies, leadership structure, organization, party flag, and election symbol—the bell. The RSP will contest the upcoming election with Balen as its prime ministerial candidate.
Sources involved in drafting the agreement say that Balendra Shah will serve as prime minister for the first two and a half years. Balen has not claimed any organizational position within the party, and Ravi Lamichhane will continue as the party chair. The current RSP office-bearer team will remain unchanged.
“Almost everything has been finalized—leadership, party, flag, and election symbol will remain with the RSP, and Balen will be prime minister for the first two and a half years,” a source said, adding that the agreement is expected to be formally signed by this evening.
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