Kathmandu, December 25
A one-on-one meeting has begun between Rabi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), and Balen Shah (Balen), Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, as part of discussions on building an alternative political force.
The talks started at the Kupandole residence of Kumar Ben, an associate of the Balen group. Earlier at the same venue, Balen had held discussions with Sunil Sharma, a Nepali Congress leader and former member of the dissolved House of Representatives.
While leaving the meeting, Congress leader Sharma said he had discussed the implications of a possible reinstatement of the House of Representatives.
Now, Rabi Lamichhane has begun talks with Balen at the same location. Asim Shah and Ganesh Karki also arrived there with Lamichhane, but they are not participating in the conversation.
Sagar Dhakal, who has been running an alternative campaign, and Sudan Gurung, chairperson of the NGO “Hami Nepal,” which came into prominence after the Gen Z movement, have also arrived at the venue.
Earlier, on Monday night, Lamichhane and Balen had held lengthy discussions. Reports had surfaced that during that meeting, held at the Kamalpokhari residence of RSP leader Shah Rabi proposed that Balen lead the government while he himself would lead the party.
It was also proposed that after the next election, Lamichhane would lead the government and Balen would support him. Leaders said the discussions between the two have been centred around these possibilities.
Balen also held discussions earlier this morning with Energy Minister Kulman Ghising and others.
