Kathmandu — Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah is preparing to contest the upcoming House of Representatives election from Jhapa–5, with his candidacy now considered almost certain based on recent political developments and internal party discussions.
According to leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Mayor Shah has already communicated his intention to contest from Jhapa–5 during meetings with party leaders from the district. RSP Jhapa Secretary Shambhu Dhakal said Shah sought detailed briefings on the constituency’s political dynamics, organizational strength, voter trends, and the competitive position of rival parties.
Jhapa–5 has long been regarded as a stronghold of CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli. Discussions with local RSP leaders focused on electoral strategy, strengths and weaknesses of the party organization, and the nature of competition in the constituency.
Read this:- Balen Ranked Second in RSP After President Rabi Lamichhane
Sources said a meeting lasting around one and a half hours was held in Kathmandu on Sunday with RSP office bearers from Jhapa. Shah had already been studying the political landscape of Jhapa through his secretariat and called the leaders for further assessment before finalizing his decision.
Based on internal reports and consultations, Shah has decided to move forward with his candidacy from Jhapa–5. The meeting also agreed that he will file his nomination on Magh 6, accompanied by a rally in Damak. Preparations are already underway to secure office space for election-related activities in the area.
Before that, Shah is scheduled to resign from the post of Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City on Magh 4. On the same day, he is expected to visit the RSP central office. On Magh 5, RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and Balen Shah will appear together publicly for the first time at an election assembly in Janakpur.
Janakpur lies within Dhanusha constituency No. 3, from where RSP spokesperson Manish Jha has been recommended as the party’s candidate for the House of Representatives.
Campaign Strategy Beyond Jhapa
Although Shah will contest from Jhapa–5, RSP leaders say his political engagement will not be confined to a single constituency. The party plans to deploy him extensively across Koshi Province as a key campaign figure.
Preparations are underway to organize programs and public outreach in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Ilam, and other districts of the province. Party sources said that while Shah has already been nominated as a senior leader of RSP, he has yet to formally take the parliamentary party oath.
Read this:- Rabi–Balen sign 7-point agreement, Balen named RSP prime ministerial candidate
Following the oath, RSP plans to launch an intensive election campaign led by Shah. Jhapa-based party leaders said they have been officially informed that Shah will resign on Magh 4, complete party formalities, and arrive in Jhapa on Magh 6 to file his candidacy.
With his entry into the race now almost certain, enthusiasm among RSP cadres in Jhapa has visibly increased.
