Kathmandu, Nov. 3 -- The political earthquake triggered by the Gen Z movement, which Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) backed, toppled the KP Sharma Oli-led government and sent traditional parties reeling. In the aftermath, speculation swirled around Balen: would he form a new political party, join an existing one or contest the upcoming elections?

For now, Balen is drawing a line. According to his close aides, he will not contest the March 5 elections and will instead serve out his remaining term as KMC mayor. "He will neither form a new party nor join any existing one," the aide said. "However, he will support parties or candidates that genuinely carry forward the agenda of the Gen Z movement while respectin...