Two of Nepal's most prominent and unconventional political figures have joined forces, forming a powerful alliance ahead of a crucial national election. This partnership emerges directly from the ashes of deadly, youth-led protests that shook the Himalayan nation earlier this year.
A Pact Forged in Protest
The alliance brings together television host Rabi Lamichhane, the 51-year-old chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Balendra 'Balen' Shah, the 35-year-old rapper-turned-Mayor of Kathmandu. Their union is a direct response to the seismic youth uprising in September, which was triggered by a government ban on social media and fuelled by years of public frustration over economic stagnation and deep-rooted political corruption.
According to the agreement signed on Sunday, Lamichhane will retain his position as party chairperson, while Shah will be the alliance's candidate for prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. "Consensus should not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," Lamichhane stated following the deal.
The Roots of Discontent
The political landscape they seek to transform was fundamentally altered by the violent protests on 8-9 September. At least 77 people were killed during the demonstrations, which represented a boiling over of anger against the country's established, elderly political leadership.
Lamichhane's RSP, founded in 2022, successfully tapped into this widespread discontent, propelling him to the role of deputy premier and interior minister. The popular TV host, who was recently released on bail in connection with cooperative fraud and organised crime allegations, has positioned himself as an anti-establishment figure.
Similarly, Mayor Shah is viewed as a symbol of Nepal's political transition. He played a key role in forming the interim government led by Sushila Karki after the ousting of KP Sharma Oli's government.
Stakeholders Seek Consensus
In a significant development, interim leader Sushila Karki held consultations on Saturday with major political figures, including Oli, Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Nepali Communist party coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal. This marked the first such high-level meeting since the September uprising.
Following the discussions, Karki took to social media to emphasise that ensuring a credible election was a shared responsibility. "The government is committed to guaranteeing a free and fear-free environment. We are working in a manner that leaves no room for doubt," she wrote.
The Lamichhane-Shah alliance now stands as the most tangible political outcome of the youth revolt, aiming to channel the energy and demands of Nepal's younger generation into electoral success. Their campaign is set to test the enduring power of the traditional political elites against a wave of popular discontent.
