🔗 Share this article Nepal's Political Scene Witnesses Major Alliance Forged Between TV Host and Ex-Rapper Mayor In a notable development ahead of the upcoming national polls, a pair of high-profile figures in Nepali politics have teamed up. This alliance emerges in the aftermath of widespread and fatal young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and eventually resulted in the ouster of the incumbent government. A Commitment to Tackle Young People's Demands Television host Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have publicly vowed to prioritize the grievances highlighted by the younger generation. This promise follows the violent anti-corruption protests that occurred in September, which led to significant casualties. "Agreement must not be as the leader seeks, it should be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The September revolt was triggered by public frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from years of slow growth and longstanding accusations of deep-rooted political corruption. Details of the Fresh Political Agreement According to the formal agreement, the roles for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. Meanwhile, Balendra Shah will be the alliance's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election scheduled for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A popular fifty-one-year-old TV host, he established the RSP in 2022, capturing widespread discontent with the nation's older political leadership. He has in the past held the positions of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed 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 caretaker government that came to power after the previous administration was dissolved. Wider Political Consultations Taking Place In a separate development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend conducted consultations with a number of leading political leaders. These discussions included former prime ministers and the presidents of other mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the period of the uprising. After these discussions, the prime minister posted on social media to state that conducting a free and fair election is a shared responsibility. The message affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open environment for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to remove any uncertainty.