Balen Shah, the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, has been making headlines recently with his increasing involvement in national politics. Moving beyond the confines of his mayoral duties, Balen has begun to voice his opinions on broader political issues, prompting speculation that he may soon establish a new political party. His moves are being closely watched, as they could herald significant shifts in Nepal's political landscape.

1. Creating Public Sentiment for a New Party
Balen’s growing popularity among the public, particularly those disillusioned with traditional political parties, has set the stage for his potential political venture. His leadership style, characterized by bold decision-making and close engagement with the public, has sparked hope among many. In recent public forums, Balen has been vocal in criticizing the failures of established parties, underscoring the need for new political alternatives. This rhetoric is aimed at building a favorable environment for launching a new party.

2. Criticizing Key Political Figures
Drawing a parallel to how Rabi Lamichhane gained widespread support by challenging former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Balen has started to target Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. By publicly questioning Oli’s leadership, Balen is laying the groundwork for a larger political campaign. This strategy is designed to legitimize his political ambitions and create a compelling narrative for the necessity of his new party.

3. Provoking Traditional Parties
A significant aspect of Balen's strategy is to criticize established political parties, thereby provoking them to retaliate. This is a calculated move; by pushing these parties to react against him, Balen aims to further inflame public dissatisfaction with the status quo. The public’s anger towards the traditional parties could then be harnessed to strengthen his new political movement, positioning him as a viable alternative.

4. Responding to Municipal Opposition
Balen has faced considerable opposition within the municipal governance structure, particularly from ward chairpersons affiliated with the Prime Minister's party. These individuals have actively obstructed his initiatives, even mobilizing public demonstrations against him. In response, Balen has decided to extend his political activities to the national level. By highlighting the obstruction he faces, he is making a case for his intervention in national politics as a necessary step to overcome these challenges.

5. Assessing the National Political Environment
Before officially launching his party, Balen is meticulously analyzing the national political landscape. He is identifying the weaknesses of the current government, gauging public dissatisfaction, and assessing the internal disputes within traditional parties. This careful evaluation will inform his strategy and help him position himself as the voice of the people’s discontent.

6. Official Party Announcement
Once all conditions are favorable, Balen is expected to formally announce the creation of his new political party. His announcement will likely emphasize themes of transparency, anti-corruption, and a commitment to public service. These are values that have defined his tenure as Mayor and resonate with a public frustrated by the perceived corruption and inefficiency of traditional parties.

7. Legal Registration and Recruitment
Following the official announcement, Balen will move to legally register his party. He plans to recruit a broad base of supporters, including social activists, former officials, and prominent public figures who share his vision for political reform in Nepal. This phase will be critical in building a strong organizational structure for his party.

8. Establishing a Robust Opposition
Balen’s ultimate goal is to secure a majority in the upcoming elections. However, he is also prepared to serve as a formidable opposition if necessary, unlike leaders like Rabi Lamichhane, who quickly moved into government positions. Balen’s strategy involves positioning his party as a strong opposition force, focused on holding the government accountable and pushing for systemic reforms, rather than seeking immediate power through ministerial roles.

Conclusion
Balen Shah’s calculated steps towards forming a new political party indicate a potential shift in Nepal’s political dynamics. By leveraging public dissatisfaction and strategically challenging the existing political order, Balen is positioning himself as a key player in the next chapter of Nepalese politics. His charismatic personality and leadership style, reminiscent of a South Indian movie hero, have made him a popular figure among the youth, further boosting his potential to influence the future of Nepal’s political landscape.

This strategic approach, coupled with his appeal, suggests that Balen Shah could indeed bring about a new era in Nepali politics.

Balendra Shah