Kathmandu, Jan 19 (NationPress) A substantial audience convened in Nepal's Janakpur City, located in the southern Madhesh Province, on Monday to witness the inaugural political address by Balen Shah, the previous Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. He has been designated as the Prime Ministerial candidate for his party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in light of the parliamentary elections set for March 5.

Shah, who identifies with the Madhesi community, effectively resonated with attendees by delivering his speech in Maithili, the native language of a majority of Nepalis in the region. This gathering took place shortly after his resignation from the mayoral position.

In his address, Shah, a prominent figure within the RSP, encouraged voters to support his party, not just because a Madhesi could ascend to the Prime Minister's office, but to guarantee competent leadership for the nation.

“Better days are ahead for you. That’s why you should vote for the bell symbol. The right government will be established—so cast your vote for the bell,” he proclaimed. If Shah succeeds in becoming Prime Minister, it would mark a historic moment as the first individual from the Madhesi community to hold such a position in Nepal, a country where political power has predominantly been in the hands of hill Brahmins.

Shah also underscored the tourism potential of Janakpur, a revered locale believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita and the venue for the marriage of Ram and Sita, as per the Ramayana. He pointed out that the city holds promise as a premier wedding destination, particularly given the growing trend of Nepalis marrying abroad.

During the event, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane praised Shah as a visionary leader for nation-building. Reflecting on various legal challenges Shah has faced—mainly concerning cooperative fraud—Lamichhane expressed confidence in Shah’s leadership, asserting that he would rise to lead the nation.

The RSP has nominated Shah to compete in the elections from Jhapa-5, where former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has long been a candidate. Both parties will announce their candidates on Tuesday, determining if Shah and Oli will go head-to-head in what could be viewed as a battle for the Prime Ministership.

Shah and Oli have had numerous confrontations, especially during Oli's tenure as Prime Minister. After the Gen-Z protests in September of last year, Shah—an architect and rapper—was perceived as a pivotal figure in forming the current government led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.

In late December, Shah's faction merged with the RSP, and he was appointed as a senior leader within the party. After stepping down as Mayor, Shah visited the RSP office for the first time on Sunday.

Under a seven-point agreement with the RSP, Shah is set to lead the party’s parliamentary wing following an election victory and will be the party’s candidate for Prime Minister after the House of Representatives elections.

Typically a reserved Mayor who seldom engages with the media, Shah enjoys a significant following—especially among the youth—because of his initiatives to enhance public infrastructure in Kathmandu and his candid critiques of what he views as the corrupt practices of established political entities.

He claimed victory as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City in May 2022 as an independent candidate, a triumph that has sparked increased interest among young individuals in politics.