Speaking on Kantipur Television's program 'Fireside' to be broadcast on Monday night, Khanal said, ”We are forced to think about other characters who can provide a solution to the country as Prime Minister while remaining affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”
What you should know
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Shishir Khanal has revealed that discussions are underway to nominate Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra (Balen) Shah as the prime ministerial candidate.
The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Khanal said that they are trying to achieve unity or functional unity among alternative forces for the House of Representatives elections to be held on Falgun 21. Although discussions were held on the name of Minister Kulman Ghising, who is leading the Ujjaya Nepal Party, as an alternative, he said that the possibility is now decreasing.
Speaking on Kantipur Television's program 'Fireside' to be broadcast on Monday night, Khanal said, 'We are forced to think about other characters who can provide a solution to the country as the Prime Minister while being affiliated with the National Independent Party. In that sense, Kulmanji is a natural character for us. Apart from that, the mayor of Kathmandu can also be another character.'
Although RSS President Ravi Lamichhane is a natural candidate, Khanal said that the RSS is holding discussions on alternatives as he is facing cases of cooperative fraud and organized crime.
Although Lamichhane is the first name, Khanal clarified that discussions are currently underway with the Balen faction due to legal obstacles. 'We are working to be as flexible as possible and include all people in the name, policy, leadership and symbol of the National Independent Party,' he said. 'After the discussions with Minister Ghising a few weeks ago did not take a positive turn, negotiations are underway with the Balen faction as another option.'
Saying that the party will remain under the leadership of Lamichhane and the party's name, policy and election symbol will remain the same, he added, 'If there is no agreement on all conditions, the path to electoral cooperation remains open.'
The full interview with Khanal can be watched on Kantipur TV's Fireside program at 9 pm on Monday.
