KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane on Tuesday clarified the purpose of his late-night meeting with Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, amid widespread speculation.
The meeting took place on Monday night at the Kamalpokhari residence of RSP central member Asim Shah. Addressing journalists, Lamichhane said the discussion was part of an ongoing dialogue aimed at bringing together new and alternative political forces advocating for change.
“RSP is trying to unite all new and alternative forces working for change through dialogue. This meeting is one important link in that process. We are moving forward with that objective and working to take it to a conclusion,” Lamichhane said.
He informed that discussions with Mayor Shah were held in two phases and that further talks would continue. Dismissing speculation, Lamichhane said there was no discussion about making Balen Shah the Prime Minister after the next election.
“We have not yet entered a political phase. Even though there has been dialogue, it is too early. First, we need to understand each other and assess the situation,” he added, noting that another round of talks could take place as early as Tuesday.
Lamichhane also revealed that RSP is holding talks with Gen-Z movement leader Sudan Gurung and plans to engage in dialogue with Kulman Ghising, patron of the Ujyalo Nepal Party.
“We are making efforts to bring all alternative forces onto a single platform. This is both RSP’s responsibility and our commitment,” he said.
The meeting between Lamichhane and Mayor Shah reportedly lasted nearly five hours, with both sides describing the talks as positive and laying the groundwork for possible unity among alternative political forces.
RSP has previously intensified dialogue with emerging political groups, and the latest meeting has fueled speculation about the formation of a new alternative political alignment ahead of the upcoming elections.
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