Nepal’s Democratic Reset: Unity Between RSP and Ujyalo Nepal: After Rabi and Balen, Kulman Also Joins

Exclusive | Kathmandu: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP) have formally united. Following the unity agreement reached two days ago between RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and Kathmandu Metropolitan City’s popular independent mayor Balen (Balendra Shah), the political realignment within Nepal’s alternative political space has reached a positive conclusion with the entry of Kulman Ghising Tamang into RSP—widely regarded as a symbol of “light” after eliminating years of electricity load-shedding in Nepal.

According to the agreement, the party name Rastriya Swatantra Party and its election symbol “Bell” will remain unchanged. Rabi Lamichhane will serve as Chairperson, while Kulman Ghising, D.P. Aryal, and Swarnim Wagle will serve as Vice-Chairpersons. Furthermore, under the earlier agreement between RSP and Balen Shah, a decision has already been made to put forward Balendra Shah as the candidate for Prime Minister in the upcoming general election.

With this unification, RSP has emerged as the single most prominent force in Nepal’s alternative political landscape. Following the Gen-Z movement’s sidelining of old and corrupt political parties—such as the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML—and their failed leadership that has weakened the country over the past thirty-five years, public aspiration and youth-driven momentum for breaking entrenched corruption syndicates through unity among alternative political forces is now considered to have taken concrete shape.

Nepal’s Democratic Reset: Why Political Unity Matters?

Nepal stands at a crossroads shaped by Gen Z youth-led movements demanding accountability. The unity between RSP and Ujyalo Nepal represents a credible alternative to legacy politics. This coalition prioritizes merit-based leadership, institutional reform, and inclusive growth.

Diaspora Nepalis Supporting Democratic Reform in Nepal

This reformation matters to Nepalis abroad for accountable governance that strengthens trust and investment. Diaspora Nepalis now can engage on advocacy, policy dialogue, ethical investment, and civic support. A unified reform platform offers stability, transparency, and long-term national progress.

Full Text of the Unity Agreement Between RSP and UNP

Agreement on Unity Between the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP)

Recognizing the unique circumstances created by the country’s evolving political developments; reaffirming commitment to the equitable advancement of all Nepalis; believing in a pluralistic democratic system grounded in an open economy with firm social justice; and acknowledging the necessity of establishing a new political force through cooperation among cultured and reform-oriented political actors to uphold good governance and address public aspirations—this agreement is concluded with full recognition of these realities.

Keeping the sacrifices of martyrs and the injured from people’s movements across different periods, including the Gen-Z movement of Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 (2025), as an inspiring remembrance, and with a shared determination to achieve the common national goal of serving the country through collaboration among like-minded forces, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (First Party) and the Ujyalo Nepal Party (Second Party) hereby agree as follows:

1. To embrace the spirit of the youth-led (Gen-Z) movement against corruption and misgovernance, and to commit to appropriately addressing the demands of the injured and the families of martyrs.

2. To remain committed to building a bright and self-reliant economy; delivery-based politics; establishment of meritocracy; zero tolerance for corruption; and good governance. Through deep policy-level, institutional, and structural reforms required to achieve national goals of prosperity and social justice, the parties commit to economic and social advancement and to the honest implementation of a roadmap to transform Nepal into a respectable middle-income country within the next ten years, grounded in refined and ethical political practice.

3. Upon unity between the First and Second Parties, the political party so established shall be named “Rastriya Swatantra Party.”

The party flag shall retain its existing blue background, with a white circular center containing a blue bell symbol.

The party’s election symbol shall be the “Bell,” and the central office shall be located in the Kathmandu Valley.

4. Rabi Lamichhane shall serve as the Central Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and Kulman Ghising, D.P. Aryal, and Swarnim Wagle shall serve as Vice-Chairpersons.

5. By adopting the Ujyalo Nepal campaign and integrating it with the programs of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the party’s organizational structure shall be further strengthened and broadened after unity. In assigning responsibilities to youth activists and experienced experts affiliated with the Ujyalo Nepal Party, priority shall be given to merit, inclusivity, and public credibility.

6. In accordance with this agreement, all relevant documents of the Rastriya Swatantra Party shall be updated with the Election Commission.

7. United under the principles, leadership, and election symbol (“Bell”) of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, a call shall be extended to other cultured, reform-oriented alternative political forces, groups, and individuals to unite in advancing the causes of democratic good governance, prosperity, and social justice.

Signatories

Rabi Lamichhane

Chairperson

Anup Kumar Upadhyay

President

Balendra Shah

Witness

Poush 14, 2082 (Kathmandu)