🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Scene Sees Major Alliance Forged By TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a significant move ahead of next year's national polls, a pair of prominent personalities in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the wake of widespread and deadly young people's protests that rocked the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the sitting government. A Commitment to Address Young People's Demands Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to focus on the grievances raised by the new generation. This commitment comes after the violent anti-corruption protests that took place in September, which led to considerable casualties. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane after the agreement was signed. The September revolt was sparked by public frustration over a temporary government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for underlying resentment stemming from years of economic stagnation and longstanding allegations of systemic political corruption. Details of the Fresh Electoral Partnership According to the formal agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been defined. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the leader of the RSP. In turn, 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 51-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing broad public dissatisfaction with the nation's established political leadership. He has in the past served in the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was not long ago released on bail in a case related to alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is viewed as a key player in Nepal's ongoing political shift. He was instrumental in setting up the interim government that took over after the ousted administration was dissolved. Wider Political Consultations Underway In a related event, the sitting interim prime minister recently held meetings with several leading political figures. These talks included ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival major parties, marking the initial such gathering since the time of the uprising. Following these discussions, the prime minister took to social media to state that holding a credible election is a collective responsibility. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and fear-free environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.