Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah has held meetings with more than 30 people, including politicians, activists, artists and media professionals, indicating preparations to move ahead through a new political party.

Shah met them throughout Wednesday at the Lalitpur-based residence of his friend Kumar Ben. Those he met included surgeon Dr Bhagawan Koirala, Rastriya Prajatantra Party leader Gyanendra Shahi and Janamat Party chair CK Raut.

The meetings, attended by Shah’s adviser Sunil Lamsal, also included former secretary Bhim Upadhyaya, activist Sagar Dhakal, Gen Z campaigner Rakshya Bam and activist KP Khanal. Shah also held separate meetings with actor Nischal Basnet, Kantipur Media Group Managing Director Sambhav Sirohiya, Kantipur Television Chief Operating Officer Suraj Singh Thakuri and journalist Rishi Dhamala, among others.

Upadhyaya, who attended the meetings, told the Post that Shah held one-on-one meetings as well as 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.

As per the election schedule the parties contesting the March 5 polls must submit the list of their candidates under the Proportional Representation (PR) category on December 29 and 30. The final closed list will be published on January 3.

Upadhyaya said he had supported Shah during the mayoral race and had again expressed willingness to assist 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 also briefed participants about the meeting with Rastriya Swatantra Party chair Rabi Lamichhane on Monday. “There was discussion, but not on a concrete proposal,” he quoted Shah as saying, adding that talks were ongoing about moving ahead separately for now.

Upadhyaya said Shah’s associates have already registered the Desh Bikash Party with the Election Commission, with the election symbol ‘lauro’ (walking stick). “There was understanding that it could be used if needed,” he said, adding that the party was earlier registered under Ananta Raj Ghimire’s name before being transferred to the name of a Shah’s associate.

Another participant said Shah asked most invitees whether they would support him if he announced a party. Most responded positively, according to a member of Shah’s secretariat. Participants also said Shah remains in contact with some new faces from established parties.

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

Shah got elected as Kathmandu Mayor as an independent candidate in May 2022 with a huge margin.

He garnered 61,767 votes to beat Sirjana Singh of the Nepali Congress by 23,426 votes.