KATHMANDU, Dec 24: Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) chief, Ravi Lamichhane, met Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah to discuss potential cooperation and collaboration for the upcoming general elections next year.
The six-hour meeting, held shortly after Lamichhane was granted bail in a cooperative fund misappropriation case, focused on uniting new political forces, particularly appealing to Gen Z voters.
RSP vice-chair D P Aryal described the meeting as cordial, emphasizing efforts to bring alternative political forces under a single umbrella, reflecting the aspirations of younger voters.
Sources indicated that an agreement was reached in principle. Lamichhane and Shah aim to include other emerging parties in future discussions, such as the Ujyalo Nepal Party led by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.
RSP also plans to invite Harka Sampang, Mayor of Bharatpur and head of the Shrama Shakti Party, to talks on possible electoral alliances.
Political analysts note that Gen Z voters are increasingly supporting RSP and Ujyalo Nepal Party, and Shah’s backing could significantly influence parliamentary seat outcomes.
Meanwhile, traditional parties like the Nepali Congress and Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) have approached the Supreme Court to seek reinstatement of the dissolved House of Representatives, claiming its September 12 dissolution was unconstitutional following Gen Z-led movements.
Maoist leader Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has also begun nationwide campaigning.
The RSP’s strategy emphasizes consolidating new forces to challenge established parties in the March 5 elections.
By engaging younger voters and forming alliances with emerging parties, Lamichhane and Shah are positioning themselves as key players in reshaping Nepal’s political landscape ahead of the general elections. (PTI)
