Balen Shah Holds Meeting with RSP Proportional Candidates, Calls for United Political Front

Lalitpur: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah held an internal discussion today with proportional representation candidates of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kupandol, Lalitpur.

The meeting was attended by the mother of Gen-Z movement martyr Rasik Khatibada, former Nepal national cricket captain Gyanendra Malla, Goldstar Shoes Executive Director Bidushi Rana, among others.

During the discussion, Mayor Shah clarified that he, Ujyaalo Nepal Party, and the RSP are not separate political forces but are moving forward with a shared vision and common political goals. Addressing allegations of being anti-federalism, Shah stated that he fully accepts the federal system as outlined in the RSP statute. However, he emphasized the need for major reforms within federalism, particularly in structural size, bureaucracy, and expenditure management.

Responding to criticism over the selection of proportional candidates, Shah said that individuals who are active, capable, and accomplished in their respective fields were included in the list, as they possess a strong understanding of policy issues and can contribute effectively to governance.

Despite the constitutional aim of ensuring representation of marginalized and underrepresented groups through the proportional system, the inclusion of well-known and established figures has sparked public debate. The list includes artist Rima Bishwakarma, Ramesh Prasai, singer Prakash Saput, former cricket captain Gyanendra Malla, Miss Nepal 2019 Anushka Shrestha, Goldstar executive Bidushi Rana, and global ime director Sachin Dhakal.

Mayor Shah urged candidates and party workers to actively engage in election campaigning and proposed forming organized campaign groups across all 77 districts.

Although Shah has not registered a separate political party following the Gen-Z movement, he has decided to contest the upcoming election in coordination with the RSP. Meanwhile, the Ujyaalo Nepal Party led by Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising has also announced an electoral alliance with the RSP. Sources say Ghising is expected to assume the role of vice-chairperson of the RSP as part of the agreement.