Breaking: Nepal’s ex-PM KP Sharma Oli faces humiliation in Jhapa-5, losing decisively to Rastriya Swatantra Party’s (RSP) Balen Shah by 49,614 votes. The former Kathmandu mayor and rapper pulled in 68,348 votes to Oli’s 18,734, per Election Commission data. Amid ongoing counts, RSP leads trends in 165 seats, hinting at a major upset brewing.
Oli, CPN-UML chief, had owned this seat in recent elections, but Shah flipped the script. RSP’s bold move to declare Shah their PM candidate pre-election now looks prescient. His background? A Madhesi roots in Naradevi, Kathmandu; early earthquake relief hero in 2015; music maven since 2012.
Shah’s political ascent accelerated with his 2022 independent mayoral win in Kathmandu, followed by a 2025 RSP switch and 2026 resignation to go national. This victory not only avenges Oli’s 2022 defeat of a rival but catapults Shah into prime contention.
Experts dissect the win as a referendum on entrenched politics. Voters, weary of dynasties, flocked to Shah’s fresh vision. Kathmandu Post notes the nationwide buzz, with RSP’s surge threatening traditional alliances.
Looking ahead, Shah’s platform—fusing cultural influence with governance reform—could redefine Nepal’s leadership. Oli’s camp scrambles as RSP consolidates gains. This poll bombshell reaffirms democracy’s unpredictability, rewarding bold newcomers over battle-hardened veterans.