BREAKING NEWS: Balen vs KP Oli Narrative Dominates Nepali Political Discourse Kathmandu / Damak — January 2026 A political narrative that once seemed unthinkable is now dominating Nepal’s public discourse. The possibility of Kathmandu Mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah confronting former Prime Minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in Damak-5 (Jhapa) has surged to the top of social media trends, sparking nationwide debate and signaling a potential turning point in Nepali politics. Although no official candidacy has been confirmed, the “Balen vs KP Oli” discussion has exploded across Facebook, TikTok, X, YouTube, and mainstream political talk shows. Analysts say the trend reflects deep public frustration with traditional leadership and growing curiosity about alternative political forces. A Clash of Two Political Eras At the center of the discussion are two sharply contrasting figures. KP Sharma Oli, one of Nepal’s most powerful and experienced politicians, has represented Jh...
Looking at the recent developments in Nepali politics as of early January 2026, the collaboration between Rabi Lamichhane and Kulman Ghising has not necessarily "ended," but it has entered a complex and challenging phase. While a high-profile agreement was signed recently, the practical implementation has hit several roadblocks. 1. The Formal Agreement and Merger On December 29, 2025, a landmark 7-point agreement was signed between Rabi Lamichhane’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the 'Ujyaalo Nepal Party' (patronized by Kulman Ghising). According to this deal, Kulman Ghising was set to take the position of Senior Vice President (first rank) within the RSP. This move was witnessed and supported by Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, signaling a massive "alternative force" coalition. 2. Kulman Ghising’s Current Hesitation As of January 10, 2026, while Kulman Ghising has resigned from his role as Energy Minister to pursue this political path, he has not yet forma...