Nepal: KP Sharma Oli’s litmus test in Jhapa-5, will Balen Shah be able to demolish the 34-year-old fort of former PM?

Nepal Parliamentary Election: Jhapa-5 parliamentary constituency is currently the center of discussion in Nepalese politics. In the upcoming parliamentary elections to be held on March 5, there is going to be a contest which will be called ‘tradition versus new generation’ The war is being said. On one side, there is Nepal’s powerful leader and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, while on the other side, engineer and famous rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah is giving him a tough challenge in the election field.

Oli’s ‘Invincible Fort’ and changing circumstances

Jhapa-5 has long been considered a stronghold of communists and the political fort of KP Sharma Oli. This is Oli’s eighth election from this seat. Oli was elected from this seat for the first time 34 years ago. Usually, Oli used to travel across the country and campaign for his party (UML), but this time the equations have changed. Due to the popularity of Balen Shah and his entry into the fray, Oli has to spend most of his time in his own constituency due to which he is less able to campaign in other areas.

new voice of youth

Balen Shah, the first independent mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, resigned from his post in January this year and decided to contest elections from Jhapa-5. Balen enjoys tremendous support from Nepal’s Gen-Z generation and youth. In September 2025, when there were protests against the Oli government, Balen had emerged as a prominent face of these protesters. Balen, who has millions of followers on social media, is known for his sharp views and challenging traditional political parties.

Claim as future Prime Minister

Balen Shah is contesting the elections this time on Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ticket. The RSP has projected him not just as a candidate but as a possible future prime minister. The long-running bitter war of words on social media between Balen and Oli has now turned into a major electoral conflict on the ground.

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Swing vote and decision of 1.6 lakh voters

There are a total of 1,63,379 registered voters in Jhapa-5. Although this area is a stronghold of communists, it is likely to be a ‘swing vote’ in 2023. The trend has raised hopes of Balen Shah. This election will not only decide the fate of Jhapa-5 but will also decide whether traditional forces will continue to dominate Nepal’s politics or the new generation will bring a wave of change.