đź”— Share this article The Himalayan nation's Political Scene Witnesses Major Alliance Formed 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 joined forces. This coalition comes in the wake of large-scale and deadly young people's demonstrations that shook the country earlier this year and ultimately led to the ouster of the incumbent government. A Pledge to Tackle Youth Concerns Media figure Rabi Lamichhane, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, a one-time rapper, have officially pledged to prioritize the issues raised by the new generation. This commitment follows the violent anti-corruption unrest that took place in September, which resulted in considerable casualties. "Consensus should not be what a leader wants, it must be what the country needs," stated Lamichhane following the deal was finalized. The September uprising was triggered by widespread frustration over a short-lived government ban on social media platforms. This incident served as a catalyst for deeper discontent stemming from a long period of slow growth and persistent allegations of deep-rooted graft in politics. Terms of the New Political Partnership According to the official agreement, the positions for the imminent election have been clarified. Rabi Lamichhane will remain as the chairperson of the RSP. In turn, Balendra Shah will be the party's candidate for the role of prime minister in the election set for 5 March. Rabi Lamichhane: A well-known fifty-one-year-old television personality, he established the RSP in 2022, channeling broad public dissatisfaction with the country's established political class. He has previously held the posts of deputy prime minister and interior minister. He was recently freed on bail in a case involving alleged cooperative fraud and organized crime. Balendra Shah (Balen): The thirty-five-year-old mayor of Kathmandu is seen as a central player in Nepal's current political shift. He played a role in setting up the caretaker government that came to power after the ousted administration was dissolved. Broader Political Discussions Taking Place In a related development, the current interim prime minister over the weekend held meetings with a number of major political figures. These talks involved ex- prime ministers and the presidents of rival mainstream parties, marking the first such gathering since the time of the protests. Following these meetings, the prime minister took to social media to state that conducting a credible election is a collective duty. The statement reiterated the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and open atmosphere for the electoral process, noting that efforts are being made to eliminate any room for doubt.