Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Balen Shah, started his parliamentary election campaign on Monday, launching it from Nepal’s Madhesh Province.
Ahead of the House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21, Shah addressed a public gathering at Tarahutiya Gachhi in Janakpurdham. The event marked his first official appearance on the campaign trail.
Shah is contesting the election from Jhapa Constituency No. 5. Party leaders say beginning the campaign from Madhesh, before heading to Jhapa, reflects an effort to reach voters beyond his home constituency and underline a national political message.
RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane also attended the Janakpurdham program, highlighting coordinated campaigning by the party’s senior leadership as the election approaches.
As part of his visit, Shah paid respect to key cultural and historical sites. Early Monday morning, he offered prayers at the Janaki Mandir. He later traveled to Lahan in Siraha district, where he laid floral tributes at memorials dedicated to martyrs of the Madhesh movement.
Shah had arrived in Janakpurdham on Sunday after resigning from his position as Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. His move from local leadership to national politics has drawn attention as campaigning for the upcoming election gains momentum.
