Nepal's Political Landscape Shifts: Rapper-Turned-Mayor Balendra Shah to Contest for PM Following Historic Alliance

Agencies, Kathmandu, January 2, 2026 : In a groundbreaking political development ahead of Nepal's March 5 parliamentary elections, Balendra Shah, the popular 35-year-old rapper-turned-mayor of Kathmandu, has aligned himself with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), led by former television host and now politician Rabi Lamichhane. This unification between Shah, Lamichhane, and Kulman Ghising, the patron of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, marks a significant moment in Nepal’s political landscape, signaling a shift in power dynamics away from the long-standing traditional parties.

The newly formed alliance aims to challenge the decades-long dominance of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) or UML and the Nepali Congress, the two main political forces that have alternated in power since the 1990s. Shah's entry into the RSP provides a fresh appeal to the youth electorate, particularly after the September youth-led protests, which were triggered by frustrations over corruption, economic stagnation, and political mismanagement. The protests saw the tragic loss of 77 lives and led to the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The agreement solidifying this alliance was reached on January 1, 2026, following weeks of negotiations and multiple discussions between the key figures involved. Under the terms of the agreement, Shah will be positioned as the prime ministerial candidate for the unified front if the RSP emerges victorious in the upcoming elections, with Lamichhane continuing as the party's leader. Ghising, from the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, will hold the senior vice-presidency within the RSP, a role that reflects a compromise after lengthy negotiations.

The three leaders have made it clear that their main objective is to address the issues raised during the youth-led protests. Shah and Lamichhane, both vocal critics of the traditional political elites, have pledged to work towards an alternative government that seeks to eradicate corruption and establish a merit-based system. Their shared vision for Nepal’s future has been fuelled by the aspirations of the younger generation, who have increasingly distanced themselves from the establishment, as evidenced by their support for Shah and the RSP.

Sudhan Gurung, a prominent figure within Nepal’s Gen Z movement, played a pivotal role in facilitating the alliance between Shah, Lamichhane, and Ghising. His leadership in organizing the youth protests and his subsequent efforts to unify Gen Z factions under a single political umbrella have garnered significant attention. However, not all Gen Z groups have fully embraced the new alliance, with some factions, like the Gen Z Movement Alliance, opting to maintain their independence and focus on street protests rather than joining the mainstream political fold.

Despite some internal opposition, the unification of Shah, Lamichhane, and Ghising represents a powerful consolidation of Nepal's alternative political forces. The leaders involved have indicated that they intend to present a united front in the elections, using the RSP's election symbol and platform to attract voters disillusioned by the old political guard. The alliance, which also includes former figures from the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, is positioning itself as a challenger to the established political parties, with a strong emphasis on democratic governance, social justice, and economic reform.

The ongoing discussions around proportional representation and party leadership have been a source of contention, particularly for Ghising, who had initially demanded a larger role within the RSP. However, after several rounds of negotiations, including the pivotal intervention of Sudhan Gurung, Ghising agreed to join the unified party under the condition of securing the senior vice-presidency position and a percentage share in the proportional representation list. As a result, the RSP now faces the challenge of balancing the competing interests of its leaders while presenting a cohesive electoral strategy.

While the main political parties in Nepal—UML and Nepali Congress—remain dominant, this alliance has introduced a significant level of uncertainty in the run-up to the elections. With the support of the youth demographic, many of whom are first-time voters, the RSP and its allies are positioning themselves as the alternative force capable of breaking the political stranglehold of the established parties. The RSP's recent unification with the Ujyaalo Nepal Party and the integration of Gen Z activists into its ranks further strengthens this challenge, making it a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming parliamentary polls.

The success of the new alliance will depend on its ability to maintain unity and effectively mobilize the support of Nepal's youth. The country’s electoral landscape is set for a dramatic shift, with the March elections now taking on heightened significance. Should the alliance between Lamichhane, Shah, and Ghising succeed, Nepal could see the rise of a new generation of political leaders committed to reform and transformation.

In conclusion, the unification of these three influential figures represents a significant shift in Nepal's political dynamics, as they seek to offer voters an alternative to the traditional political elite. With the youth firmly behind them and a clear agenda for change, this new political force is set to challenge the status quo in the upcoming elections, heralding a new era in Nepal's democratic journey.