Kathmandu. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, who recently held a six-hour discussion with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairperson Ravi Lamichhane, has begun preparations to form his own political party. Although there were talks about moving forward in collaboration with Lamichhane, sources say Balen is now ready to enter politics independently and in his own style.

He has been holding consultations with various individuals since last night, and another round of meetings reportedly began again at 10:30 AM today. According to sources close to him, Balen is preparing to contest upcoming elections under his own party using the ‘Lauro’ (walking stick) election symbol.

After failing to reach an agreement with Ravi Lamichhane on power-sharing arrangements, Balen has expressed a desire to lead his own party. He plans to move forward by bringing together popular faces, socially influential personalities, and individuals well-known among the public.

Several prominent figures, including leaders from the Gen Z movement, are said to be ready to join him once the party is officially launched. Many Gen Z leaders are reportedly focusing their attention on Balen’s political move.

Preparations are underway to contest elections under the banner of the ‘Desh Bikash Party’ (Nation Development Party), including the collection of names for proportional representation candidates. Balen is also consulting on strategies for direct elections and future political direction.

He has reportedly held discussions with notable figures such as Dr. Bhagwan Koirala, RPP leader Gyanendra Shahi, youth and sanitation activist KP Khanal, Gen Z Front coordinator Raksha Bam, activist Sagar Dhakal, former secretary Bhim Upadhyay, former Bibeksheel Sajha leader Milan Pandey, actor Nischal Basnet, journalist Rishi Dhamala, media entrepreneur Kailash Sirohiya, and media personality Suraj Singh Thakuri.

Balen Shah is expected to approach the public through the Desh Bikash Party, which is currently chaired by Sandhya Khanal. The party was formed by updating the former ‘Hamro Nepali Party,’ earlier led by engineer Anantaraj Ghimire. The party has retained the ‘Lauro’ election symbol.

Balen previously won the Kathmandu mayoral election using the same ‘Lauro’ symbol, which had become widely popular. Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City’s independent mayor Harka Sampang, who also won using the same symbol, has already formed the ‘Shram Sanskriti Party.’

Although there were earlier discussions about cooperation between Balen and Harka Sampang, Sampang reportedly formed a separate party after stating that Balen did not become prime minister in the government that emerged following the Gen Z movement.