🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Scene Sees Major Partnership Forged By TV Host and Former Musician Mayor In a significant development ahead of the upcoming general election, two prominent figures in Nepali politics have joined forces. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly youth-led demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually led to the removal of the sitting government. A Pledge to Tackle Young People's Concerns Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-graft protests that occurred in September, which resulted in significant casualties. "Consensus must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," remarked Lamichhane after the agreement was finalized. The late summer uprising was triggered by public anger over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This action acted as a catalyst for deeper resentment stemming from a long period of slow growth and longstanding allegations of deep-rooted political corruption. Details of the New Electoral Partnership According to the official pact, the positions for the approaching election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate 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, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The 35-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a central figure in Nepal's current political transition. He was instrumental in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was removed. Wider Government Consultations Taking Place In a related event, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of major political figures. These discussions included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of other major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising. After these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a collective duty. The statement affirmed the government's commitment to ensuring a safe and fear-free atmosphere for the electoral process, adding that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.