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Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif has congratulated President of Rastriya Swatantra Party Rabi Lamichhane and its senior leader Balendra Shah on their remarkable victory in the 2026 elections in Nepal.

In a congratulatory message, Prime Minister Sharif said the strong mandate reflects the trust and confidence of the Nepali people in new and dynamic leadership.

He also expressed Pakistan’s willingness to work closely with the newly elected Government of Nepal to further strengthen the historic friendship and cooperation between the two countries, according to the Pakistani Embassy in Kathmandu.

Rabi Lamichhane, a candidate for the House of Representatives (HoR) Member election from Chitwan- 2 representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has disclosed his election expenditure details.

He also serves as the party president. 

According to the information provided to the Election Commission, Lamichhane's total election expenditure amounts to Rs 989,987. 

The submitted letter outlined that the nomination registration cost was Rs 10,000, sample ballot printing expenses were Rs 68,161, transportation and fuel costs totaled Rs 295,000, voter training and snacks costs were Rs 14,200, ward-level publicity expenses were Rs 46,000, and flags and badges for promotional activities cost Rs 112,000. 

Additionally, it was noted that the expenses for purchasing banners and stickers for publicity reached Rs 55,000, food and food rations cost Rs 196,000, air travel expenses were Rs 13,626 and seminar and gathering costs amounted to Rs 180,000. 

The expense details were submitted to the Election Commission on Tuesday by Sita Gyawali, the chairperson of Chitwan Metropolitan City from the same party.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held  telephone conversations with Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane and senior leader Balendra Shah on Monday. 

On the occasion, he congratulated both leaders on their electoral victories and RSP’s resounding success in the Nepal elections. 

Furthermore, he conveyed his best wishes for the forthcoming new Government and India's commitment to work with them for mutual prosperity, progress and well-being of our two countries. 

“I am confident that with our joint endeavours, India and Nepal relations will scale new heights in the years ahead,” he said. 

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has won the House of Representatives (HoR) election from Chitwan-2. He secured 54,402 votes.

His closest contender, Nepali Congress candidate Meena Kumari Kharel has received 14,564 votes. Similarly, Asmin Ghimire of the CPN-UML received 6,992 votes, while Pratap Gurung of the Nepali Communist Party received 4,469 votes, according to Chief Election Officer Kedar Nath Paudel.

Lamichhane had bagged 54,176 votes in the by-election held in 2080 BS. 

Similarly, at that time, the candidate from the Nepali Congress received 11,214 votes and the candidate from UML received 10,936 votes.

There were a total of 137,152 voters in this electoral constituency in the latest HoR election, and 87,221 votes were cast. A total of 23 candidates, including those of various political parties and independents were in the fray from this constituency.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Party President Rabi Lamichhane cast his vote at the Kathmandu Upatyaka Drinking Water Limited (KUKL) Polling Center in Chucchipati. 

Prior to casting his vote, he addressed journalists, sharing his optimism that this election would pave the way for a political resolution in the country. 

President Lamichhane is a candidate for the House of Representatives elections from Chitwan Constituency-2. 

Similarly, senior leader Balendra Shah also cast his vote at the Annapurna School Polling Center in Gairigaun, Tinkune, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-9. 

Former mayor of KMC, Sah is a candidate from Jhapa District Constituency-5. 

Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane has said that the Rastriya Swatantra Party is contesting the elections to change the face of the country.

During a meeting held by the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Dhangadhi today, he said that the RSP will raise its voice against political distortions and anomalies and empower the people. “This time we have come to the elections keeping the political aspirations of the country at the center.”

The Rastriya Swatantra Party is looking forward to a stable government for five years, he said and urged the people to exercise their right to vote wisely during the March 5 elections.

At the same program, senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Balendra Shah said that the responsibility of building the Sudurpaschim and the country has now fallen on the shoulders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. 

He said that if it can become the largest party and enter the government through the elections, it will make the dreams of the Nepalis come true.

Senior leader Shah mentioned that the party's agenda includes issues such as education and health that the poor and disadvantaged groups should receive.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane filed his candidacy from Chitwan-2 for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5. 

He filed candidacy through the authorized representative, Sita Gyawali, on Tuesday, according to assistant election officer, Deviram Bhandari.

Leader Bikram Shrestha proposed Lamichanne's candidacy while Ramaji Thakuri seconded the proposal. Lamichhane could not attend the election office in-person due to his busy schedule. 

There are 442,082 voters registered in the voters' list in the district having three constituencies.

The Secretariat meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party has begun at the party’s central office in Banasthali on Sunday. 

The meeting will dwelt on issues related to the party adjustment and election process, party spokesperson Manish Jha said. 

This is the first Secretariat meeting after party President Rabi Lamichhane returned to his post.

Former Home Minister Lamichhane was released on bail on December 19 in connection with the Supreme Cooperative fraud and organized crime case.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah have reached a seven-point agreement on various issues in the lead up to the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives.

RSP President Lamichhane and Mayor Shah signed the agreement this morning. 

According to the agreement made public over the social media, the movement against corruption and bad governance waged by the youths shall be owned, and the demands of the injured and martyred families will be appropriately addressed. 

Similarly, it has been agreed that Rabi Lamichhane will remain the central president of the party while Balendra Shah will be the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. 

He will be the leader of the parliamentary party following the elections.

The name of the political party and its election symbol will be that of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the party's office in Kathmandu. 

Issues such as involving youth in the party's organizational structure have been included.

Furthermore, the updated structure of the party following the agreement shall be registered at the Election Commission, while a call shall be made to all alternative political forces to join the RSP.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, continues to enjoy significant support among young voters, though his popularity has shown signs of decline following the GenZ protests. Critics argue that his inability to respond effectively to incidents of vandalism and arson during the Sept 8–9 protests dented his image as a mayor.

As a result, it remains uncertain whether Shah commands the same level of public support he did during the 2022 local elections. Despite this uncertainty, Shah remains a key political figure among emerging and alternative political forces, at least in perception.

Several newly-formed parties appear eager to secure his backing ahead of upcoming elections. A few weeks ago, Kulman Ghising, who recently launched the Ujyalo Nepal Party, met Shah seeking his support whereas on Dec 22, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane held discussions with Shah, fueling speculation about possible political collaboration.

Balen has given a clear signal that he supports emerging political forces challenging traditional parties, but it remains uncertain whether he will publicly endorse or align himself with any of them. So far, his message suggests support for new political parties but it is unclear whether he would engage in active politics like Rabi. 

To unite emerging political forces, Balen has initiated consultations with political leaders, Gen Z representatives, artists, media professionals, and members of civil society. Over the past few years, he has remained in continuous dialogue with people from all walks of life.

A case in point: After the GenZ protests, the Nepali Army reportedly offered him the premiership, but he declined it.

Although it is unclear whether these new political forces will unite, there is a growing sentiment among them that electoral cooperation is essential to challenge the dominance of traditional parties—namely the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.

This view has also come from several self-proclaimed GenZ leaders, who are pressing alternative political groups to form a united front. Among the new parties, the Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party remains the most influential.

Emerging as the fourth-largest party in the House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, the RSP disrupted Nepal’s conventional political landscape.

Although the party faced internal setbacks after the GenZ movement, including the departure of some key leaders, it partially recovered through unification with the Bibeksheel Party.

After his recent release from jail, Lamichhane has intensified political consultations. He met Prime Minister Sushila Karki to pledge the RSP’s support to the government.

However, his meeting with Mayor Shah attracted wider attention and triggered renewed debate over the possible consolidation of new political forces ahead of the March 5 elections. Such an alliance, if it materializes, could pose a serious challenge to Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.

Despite facing multiple charges related to cooperative fraud, Lamichhane continues to enjoy personal popularity. A strong communicator, he has a distinct ability to dominate headlines and connect directly with the public. He is skilled in the art of communication as he can share his ideas, feelings and information clearly and effectively, while also listening to and responding to his supporters.

Unlike leaders of traditional parties, Lamichhane’s appeal is largely personality-driven rather than party-based. Many supporters voted for him as an individual rather than for the RSP as a political party. Therefore, whether the RSP can sustain its growth in Lamichhane’s absence is a moot question.
In contrast, Balen does not directly communicate with the masses.

Since becoming the mayor of Kathmandu, he has rarely engaged with the public or faced the media. Instead, he often uses social media platforms to vent his anger and criticize mainstream political parties. Like Lamichhane, Balen also stokes anti–mainstream party sentiment. At the same time, he has not shown any clear ideological inclination.

But Lamichhane and Balen both are non-ideological.  Their stance on key constitutional issues—including federalism and full commitment to the 2015 Constitution—remains ambiguous. Notably, during last year’s pro-monarchy protests, the RSP maintained silence. 
Nevertheless, Lamichhane avoids conventional political jargon and focuses instead on governance failures and everyday problems facing the people—a strategy that resonates with frustrated voters. Lamichhane was widely popular until two years ago; however, allegations related to cooperative fraud have affected his public standing.

This populist appeal gives Lamichhane the potential to draw voters away from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, particularly in urban constituencies. If the RSP, the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Balendra Shah and other alternative forces form an electoral alliance, it could significantly erode the traditional voter base of mainstream parties, at least in urban areas.

However, these new political forces face structural limitations. Their organizational presence in rural areas remains weak, and they lack strong networks in the Tarai region. While they managed notable urban victories in 2022 despite a limited organization base, sustaining and expanding such success will be more challenging without strong grassroots foundations.

Since the 2022 elections, the RSP has expanded its organizational reach, but its rural penetration remains limited. Still, rising anti-establishment sentiment and public frustration with traditional parties may push alternative forces toward unity.

If these parties manage to coordinate effectively, they could emerge as a serious electoral threat—if not by winning outright, then by decisively weakening the dominance of Nepal’s long-established political parties.

Leaders argue that if there is an electoral alliance among the new political forces, with open backing from figures like Balen, it could force the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML into an electoral alliance of their own.

The two key developments—Rabi Lamichhane’s release from jail and his meeting with Shah—have alarmed mainstream political parties. At the same time, major political parties are holding regular meetings to chart their strategies.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, continues to enjoy significant support among young voters, though his popularity has shown signs of decline following the Gen Z protests. Critics argue that his inability to respond effectively to incidents of vandalism and arson during the September 8–9 protests dented his image as a mayor.

As a result, it remains uncertain whether Shah command the same level of public support he did during the 2022 local elections. Despite this uncertainty, Shah remains a key political figure among emerging and alternative political forces, at least in perception. 

Several newly formed parties appear eager to secure his backing ahead of upcoming elections. A few weeks ago, Kul Man Ghising, who recently launched the Ujyalo Nepal Party, met Shah seeking his support. Similarly, on December 22, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane held discussions with Shah, fueling speculation about possible political collaboration.

Balen has given a clear signal that he supports emerging political forces challenging traditional parties, but it remains uncertain whether he will publicly endorse or align himself with any specific party. So far, his message suggests support for the emergence of new political parties. However, it is unclear whether he would engage in active politics like Rabi. After the Gen Z protests, the Nepal Army reportedly offered him the premiership, but he declined it.

Although it is unclear whether these new political forces will unite, there is a growing sentiment among them that electoral cooperation is essential to challenge the dominance of traditional parties—namely the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. This view is also echoed by several self-proclaimed Gen Z leaders, who are pressing alternative political groups to form a united front. Among the new parties, Rabi Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party remains the most influential. Emerging as the fourth-largest party in the House of Representatives in the 2022 elections, the RSP disrupted Nepal’s conventional political landscape.

Although the party faced internal setbacks after the Gen Z movement, including the departure of some key leaders, it partially recovered through unification with the Bibeksheel Party. After his recent release from jail, Lamichhane has intensified political consultations. He met Prime Minister Sushila Karki to pledge the RSP’s support to the government. However, his meeting with Mayor Shah attracted wider attention and triggered renewed debate about the possible consolidation of new political forces ahead of the March 5 elections. Such an alliance, if realized, could pose a serious challenge to Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML.

Despite facing multiple charges related to cooperative fraud, Lamichhane continues to enjoy personal popularity. A strong communicator, he has a distinct ability to dominate headlines and connect directly with the public. He is skilled in the art of communication, as he can express his ideas, feelings, and information clearly and effectively, while also listening to and responding to his supporters. Unlike leaders of traditional parties, Lamichhane’s appeal is largely personality-driven rather than party-based. Many supporters vote for him as an individual rather than for the RSP as an institution. Consequently, there are concerns about whether the RSP can sustain its growth in Lamichhane’s absence.

In contrast, Balen does not directly communicate with the masses. Since becoming mayor of Kathmandu, he has rarely engaged with the public or faced the media. Instead, he often uses social media platforms to vent his anger and criticize mainstream political parties. Like Lamichhane, Balen also stokes anti–mainstream party sentiment. At the same time, he has not shown any clear ideological inclination.

But Lamichhane and Balen both are non-ideological.  Their stance on key constitutional issues—including federalism and full commitment to the 2015 Constitution—remains ambiguous. Notably, during last year’s pro-monarchy protests, the RSP maintained silence. 

Nevertheless, Lamichhane avoids conventional political jargon and instead focuses on governance failures and everyday problems faced by ordinary citizens—a strategy that resonates with frustrated voters. Lamichhane was widely popular until two years ago; however, allegations related to cooperative fraud have affected his public standing.

This populist appeal gives Lamichhane the potential to draw voters away from the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, particularly in urban constituencies. If the RSP, the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Balendra Shah, and other alternative forces form an electoral alliance, it could significantly erode the traditional voter base of mainstream parties, at least in urban areas.

However, these new political forces face structural limitations. Their organizational presence in rural areas remains weak, and they lack strong networks in the Tarai region. While they managed notable urban victories in 2022 despite limited organization, sustaining and expanding such success will be more challenging without strong grassroots foundations.

Since the 2022 elections, the RSP has expanded its organizational reach, but its rural penetration remains limited. Still, rising anti-establishment sentiment and public frustration with traditional parties may push alternative forces toward unity. If these parties manage to coordinate effectively, they could emerge as a serious electoral threat—if not by winning outright, then by decisively weakening the dominance of Nepal’s long-established political parties.

Leaders argue that if there is an electoral alliance among the new political forces, with open backing from figures like Balen, it could force the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML into an electoral alliance of their own. The two key developments—Rabi Lamichhane’s release from jail and his meeting with Shah—have alarmed mainstream political parties. At the same time, major political parties are holding regular meetings to chart their strategies.

The Tulsipur High Court on Tuesday ordered the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane on bail.

A division bench of Justices Basudev Acharya and Tej Narayan Poudel issued the order, directing Lamichhane’s release. 

He will be released after posting a bail amount of Rs 27.484 crore.

Rastriya Swatantra Party President and former Managing Director of Gokha Media Group Rabi Lamichhane has been sent to jail for judicial custody on Monday.

He was arrested and sent to jail after the Tulsipur-Butwal Bench of High Court overturned the order of Rupandehi District Court to release him on bail of Rs 10 million in cooperative and organized crime.

Earlier, both the District Attorney's Office and Lamichhane had appealed to the High Court, stating that they were dissatisfied with the district court's order.

Rupandehi District Police Office SP Ranjit Singh Rathore said that Lamichhane was sent to jail in Bhairahawa after presenting him at the District Court following the order of the High Court.

Lamichhane, who was arrested in Kathmandu on Friday, was taken to Bhairahawa from Tribhuvan Airport on Saturday morning. Later, he was kept in custody at the District Police Office.

He was produced at the court today as there were holidays on Saturday and Sunday.

On January 19, the District Attorney's Office, Rupandehi, had filed a case in the Rupandehi District Court making President Lamichhane among others as defendants in connection with the fraud case of the Supreme Savings and Credit Cooperative Society in Butwal.

The Chitwan District Court has ordered the release of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane on bail of Rs 5.4 million in connection with the Sahara Cooperative fraud case.

A single bench of Judge Dayaram Dhakal issued an order to release former Home Minister Lamichhane on bail of Rs 5.4 million.

Senior advocates Sushil Kumar Panta, Jagannath Paudel, Dharmaraj Acharya and Surendra Bahadur Thapa and advocates Ram Chanra Devkota and Dr Narayan Dutta Kandel argued on behalf of Lamichhane.

Similarly, District advocates Rabi Neupane, Sambhu Kumar Basnet, Dashrath Pangeni, Bholanath Niraula and assistant advocates Buddha Bahadur Thapa and Amrit Subedi argued on behalf of Nepal Government.

Likewise, senior advocates Dr Surendra Bhandari, Dinesh Tripathi and Raj Kumar Shrestha and advocates Gopi Lal Devkota, Ramesh Kafle, Ram Chandra Arasi Gautam and Sunita Adhikari argued on behalf of the complainant.

On Tuesday, a case was registered against Lamichhane accusing him of embezzling the funds of Sahara Cooperative.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President and suspended parliamentarian, Rabi Lamichhane, held a meeting with Speaker Devraj Ghimire, over the issue of his suspension.

During the meeting held at the office of the Speaker at Singha Durbar, today, President Lamichhane submitted a petition requesting Speaker Ghimire to lift his suspension from the post of a member of the Parliament.

Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar, acting RSP Chair Dol Prasad Aryal, Vice-Chairperson Dr Swarnim Wagle, Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar, among others were also present along with Lamichhane in the meeting.

The Federal Parliament Secretariat had suspended the member of House of Representatives, Lamichhane, from the post on December 23.

Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane is appearing before the Kathmandu District Court today.

He was released on Thursday after posting the bail amount of Rs 6.5 million.

Lamichhane, who is also the former Home Minister, was arrested for his alleged involvement in embezzling the funds of local Suryadarshan Cooperatives Saving and Cooperatives, Pokhara.

He is facing a similar case of misappropriation of funds in a cooperative in Kathmandu.

RSP President Lamichhane will appear before the District Court, Kathmandu today, according to acting spokesperson, Manish Jha.

Six persons, including Lamichhane, were released on bail in the same case. They were Chhabi Lal Joshi, Ram Bahadur Khanal, Krishna Bahadur Gurung, Mina Gurung and Arati Gurung, according to the record keeper at Kaski District Court, Rajan Khanal.

District Judge Nitij Rai yesterday issued an order saying that Lamichhane be released on a bail of Rs 6.5 million, Joshi on a bail of Rs 8. 8 million, Pachhai on Rs 3. 7 million, Khanal on Rs 1.5 million, Mina Gurung on Rs 500, 000, Arati Gurung on Rs 500, 000 and Krishna Bahadur Gurung on Rs 100, 000.  

However, Pachhai failed to submit the bail amount resulting in continuity of detention.

The District Attorney Office, Kaski on December 22 had filed a case against 44 persons including Lamichhane, accusing them of embezzling the cooperative’s funds.