Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah and Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane are holding talks in Lalitpur, fueling speculation about Shah’s political plans ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives elections.

The one-on-one discussion is taking place at the Kupandole-based residence of Shah’s adviser Kumar Ben, sources said. The talks are said to focus on how to move forward in the coming parliamentary elections.

Earlier, Shah also met Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Kulman Ghising at the same location. Ujyaalo Nepal Party, with the election symbol of a light bulb, is backed by Ghising, who served as managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority before becoming a minister in the interim government.

Abhishek Singh, a central committee member of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, said the discussions were aimed at exploring ways for alternative political forces to move ahead together.

Shah also met former Nepali Congress lawmaker Dr Sunil Sharma.

The meeting with Lamichhane comes amid a series of consultations Shah held with more than 30 politicians, activists, artists and media professionals on Wednesday at Ben’s Lalitpur residence signalling preparations to move ahead through a new political party.

Those he met included surgeon Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Gyanendra Shahi and Janamat Party chair CK Raut.

Former government secretary Bhim Upadhyaya, activist Sagar Dhakal, a Gen Z leader Rakshya Bam and social activist KP Khanal were also among the participants. Shah separately met actor Nischal Basnet, Kantipur Media Group Managing Director Sambhav Sirohiya, Kantipur Television Chief Operating Officer Suraj Singh Thakuri and journalist Rishi Dhamala.

Upadhyaya said Shah held both one-on-one meetings and group discussions. “From the meetings, I sensed that they are preparing to go to elections and were meeting possible candidates,” he said.

The interim government has announced elections for the House of Representatives on March 5. Parties contesting the polls must submit their proportional representation candidate lists on December 29 and 30, with the final list to be published on January 3.

Upadhyaya, who supported Shah during the 2022 mayoral race, said he had again expressed willingness to help efforts to bring alternative forces together, though not as an active politician. “I said I would support from outside and do whatever is necessary for change,” he said.

According to Upadhyaya, Shah briefed participants about his meeting with Lamichhane earlier this week. “There was discussion, but not on a concrete proposal,” he quoted Shah as saying, adding that talks were continuing about moving ahead separately for now.

Upadhyaya also said Shah’s associates have already registered the Desh Bikash Party with the Election Commission, with the election symbol ‘lauro’ (walking stick). The party was initially registered under Ananta Raj Ghimire’s name before being transferred to an associate of Shah.

Another participant said Shah asked most invitees whether they would support him if he announced a party, and most responded positively. Shah is also said to be in contact with new faces from established parties.

Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders have discussed the possibility of projecting Shah as a prime ministerial candidate. However, speaking to journalists in Chitwan, Lamichhane said talks had not reached that stage and that discussions with other forces were continuing.

Shah was elected Kathmandu mayor as an independent candidate in May 2022, securing 61,767 votes and defeating Nepali Congress candidate Sirjana Singh by a margin of 23,426 votes.