Balen Set to Challenge KP Oli in Jhapa-5

Jhapa-5, the stronghold of CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, is set to witness a high-profile electoral contest as Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen) prepares to enter the race.

Balen’s secretariat has confirmed that groundwork is already underway, with the mayor holding regular discussions with local leaders and political workers in Jhapa. As part of the preparation, he recently met Rastriya Swatantra Party Jhapa Chairperson Prakash Pathak and his team.

An adviser said Balen’s team is conducting a local survey in the constituency to assess ground realities. According to Balen’s chief personal secretary Bhupadev Shah, the mayor plans to resign by January 18 and file his nomination in Jhapa on January 19.