Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah arrived in Ilam on Wednesday to campaign for candidates of the Rastriya Swatantra Party ahead of the upcoming by-elections.
Ilam district has two parliamentary constituencies, and Shah is seeking votes for the party’s nominees in both areas. In Constituency No. 1, RSP has fielded Bimal Gadal, while Gokul Bahadur Rai is contesting from Constituency No. 2. Shah reached Ilam Bazaar as part of his campaign activities.
Although Shah is also associated with the Jhapa–5 race, his current visit is focused on strengthening voter support for RSP candidates in Ilam. According to the schedule, he is expected to stay in the district throughout the day and take part in campaign programmes.
Jhapa–5 remains one of the most closely watched constituencies. The seat is also being contested by KP Sharma Oli, chairperson of the CPN-UML, who has won several elections from the area. However, Oli suffered a defeat in the first Constituent Assembly election held in 2008.
With senior leaders actively campaigning in different districts, the by-elections have drawn wider public attention as newer political forces attempt to challenge long-established parties.
