Kathmandu- Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah has resigned from his post, formally stepping down on Sunday.
Shah submitted his resignation to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, in line with the legal provision that local level chiefs must submit their resignation to the deputy chief, and vice versa. In his resignation letter, Shah stated that he had voluntarily resigned from the post with effect from Magh 4, 2082.
“In accordance with the Constitution of Nepal 2072 BS, the Local Government Operation Act 2074 BS, and the prevailing legal provisions of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, I voluntarily submit my resignation from the post of Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City with effect from 2082/10/04,” Shah stated in the letter.
Shah’s resignation comes after he was nominated as a candidate of the Rastriya Swatrantra Party (RSP) for the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Following his decision to enter national electoral politics, he opted to vacate the mayoral position.
In his resignation letter, Shah reflected on his tenure as mayor, stating that he had worked in the interest of the city and its residents. He also extended best wishes to Deputy Mayor Dangol and the metropolitan executive for the future.
“I wish that the leadership, service delivery and development journey of the metropolis will be more effective, transparent and result-oriented in the coming days, and I wish you and the municipal executive every success,” he wrote.
Short visit to party headquarters
Soon after submitting his resignation, Shah reached the central office of the Rastriya Swatrantra Party (RSP) at Banasthali on Sunday afternoon. This was his first visit to the party headquarters after becoming a senior leader following a recent party unity agreement.
Upon arrival, Shah was welcomed by RSP President Rabi Lamichhane. Both leaders rang the bell installed at the party’s bell tower, symbolically marking Shah’s political transition.
However, Shah did not remain at the party office for long. He reached the bell tower at approximately 3:43 pm and left around 3:53 pm, spending only about 10 to 15 minutes at the premises.
Metropolis waits for farewell that never happened
Kathmandu Metropolitan City officials had been preparing to bid farewell to Shah since Sunday morning. Deputy Mayor Dangol had publicly stated that a formal farewell programme should be organised, regardless of the number of attendees.
According to metropolitan sources, Mayor Shah’s secretariat had earlier informed the media that he would resign on Magh 4 and proceed to the bell tower. Based on this information, the metropolis had prepared an internal action plan. Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, Deputy Mayor Dangol, and other officials had arranged to formally bid farewell to the outgoing mayor.
“We were ready to say goodbye to him today. It was natural to say goodbye after working together for so long,” a metropolitan employee said. “But he didn’t come. Maybe he didn’t want to.”
Officials said they had contacted Shah multiple times to confirm the resignation schedule and farewell arrangements. According to staff, Shah repeatedly told them, “I’ll tell you later,” even as preparations continued in anticipation of any last-minute decision.
Uncertainty before sudden resignation
According to sources close to Shah, his resignation was briefly put on hold due to speculation that the elections could be postponed if legal action was taken by the Nepali Congress. Shah was reportedly advised that if he filed his candidacy, his mayoral post would be automatically revoked even if the elections were delayed.
“Later, he received further advice. What followed was a sudden decision to resign and go to the bell tower,” a source close to Shah said.
Following this decision, Shah submitted his resignation through the metropolitan secretariat. The metropolitan team, which had been waiting since morning to formally bid him farewell, was compelled to accept the resignation through the official letter alone, and the planned programme was postponed.
Shah later reached the bell tower in a vehicle belonging to party leader Sudan Gurung. Standing alongside Rabi Lamichhane, he rang the bell placed in front of the tower. After spending some time at the office, he left the premises.
While Shah was unable to formally bid farewell to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, he received a formal welcome at the party headquarters.
Departure to Janakpur
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatrantra Party (RSP) Balendra Shah arrived in Janakpur following his resignation from the post of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor.
Shah travelled to Janakpur after reaching Ghantighar and was accompanied by RSP President Rabi Lamichhane. He was welcomed by party leaders and cadres at Janakpur Airport.
Shah is scheduled to participate in party-related political programmes, including an announcement rally planned in Janakpur on Magh 5.
