NepalS Political Landscape Shifts: Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah Named PM Candidate in Landmark Alliance
Kathmandu, Nepal – December 28, 2025 – A significant realignment is underway in Nepali politics. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, a rising figurehead for a new generation, has been nominated as the prime ministerial candidate. This follows a pivotal agreement between Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to jointly contest the upcoming March 5th elections.
This alliance marks a potentially transformative moment for Nepal, signaling a strong push for youth-led change and a direct response to recent public unrest. You’re likely seeing headlines about this shift, and for good reason – it represents a challenge to established political norms.
A United Front for Change
The agreement, reached after intense overnight negotiations, solidifies Shah’s position as parliamentary party leader and the face of the campaign. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as chairperson of the RSP, currently the fourth-largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives.
Here’s a breakdown of the key terms:
* Leadership: Balendra Shah designated as the prime ministerial candidate and parliamentary party leader.
* Party Structure: Shah’s team will merge with the RSP, but the party’s name, flag, and election symbol (“Bell”) will remain unchanged.
* Shared Goals: both sides commit to addressing the demands of the recent Gen Z protests,including support for those injured during the demonstrations.
* Core Principles: A shared “ownership of the movement launched by the younger generation against corruption and bad governance.”
Lamichhane emphasized the importance of prioritizing national needs over individual ambitions, sharing his thoughts via a Facebook post on Sunday. This sentiment underscores the collaborative spirit driving this new political force.
The Rise of a Gen Z Leader
Shah’s nomination isn’t a surprise to those following Nepali politics. He gained prominence as a vocal advocate against corruption and a symbol of the frustrations felt by Nepal’s younger generation. As The Hindu previously reported, Shah’s background includes studies in Karnataka, India, at the Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, adding another layer to his unique profile.
This alliance is expected to galvanize support from Gen Z voters, many of whom were instrumental in the September movement that led to the fall of the K.P. Sharma Oli-led government. you can read more about the factors driving that unrest here.
What’s Next?
While this pact is a major development, the political landscape remains fluid. Another newly formed party, the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP), led by Energy and Water Resources Minister Kulman Ghising, is still considering joining the alliance.Ghising has been in talks with Shah regarding potential unity and collaboration.
The signing ceremony included key leaders from both sides, including Swarnim Wagle, D.P. Aryal, and Shishir Khanal from the RSP, and Asim Shah from Lamichhane’s camp. Representing Shah’s group were Kumar Byanjankar, Nishchal Basnet, and Bhoop Dev Shah.
Looking Ahead: The coming weeks will be crucial as the RSP and shah’s team prepare for the March 5th elections. Simultaneously occurring, it’s certainly worth noting that deposed Prime Minister Oli was recently re-elected as CPN-UML chair, adding another dynamic to the political equation.
This alliance represents a bold attempt to reshape Nepali politics, and it’s a story you’ll want to follow closely.
Published December 28, 2025, 1:07 PM IST
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