KATHMANDU: CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli is currently in Jhapa, where he has intensified election campaigning ahead of the upcoming polls. Oli arrived in Jhapa on Friday for campaign activities and is focusing particularly on Jhapa constituency No. 5, his home turf.
Although it has been widely claimed that Oli returned to Kathmandu after filing his candidacy to hold discussions with Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on a possible electoral alliance, no agreement has materialized. Oli has also held talks with Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden, but with both parties reluctant to formalize an alliance, Oli has returned to Jhapa to consolidate support on the ground.
Sources say that while cooperation with the NCP appears unlikely, Oli remains hopeful about a possible understanding with the RPP.
Week-long voter outreach in Jhapa-5
According to UML election commander Devendra Dahal, Oli has scheduled a week-long voter interaction program in Jhapa-5. Dahal said Oli will meet voters, including residents of sukumbasi (landless) settlements, to present his agenda.
Oli has already been seen visiting landless communities in Damak, areas previously toured by Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah. Notably, Oli’s visits have followed Balen’s earlier outreach in Kamal, Gaurigunj and Damak municipalities, drawing political attention to the overlap.
Soft on Deuba, tough on Gagan Thapa
Political observers note that Oli has adopted a conciliatory tone towards Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, while maintaining a hard stance against Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa.
Responding to voters’ queries in Jhapa regarding reports of cash recovered from leaders’ residences, Oli defended Deuba, claiming that no cash was found at his own residence and alleging that the banknotes reportedly seized from Deuba’s house were AI-generated images of foreign currency.
This softer approach towards Deuba has fueled speculation that Deuba-aligned Congress leaders in Jhapa-5 may tacitly support Oli. UML sources say Oli is preparing to meet Deuba-aligned local leaders in the constituency.
Although Deuba’s secretariat has stated that he will not participate in any election-centric activities, Oli’s conciliatory posture and Deuba’s perceived sympathy have led to speculation of behind-the-scenes political give-and-take.
However, Congress General Secretary Guru Raj Ghimire firmly dismissed such speculation. Speaking to Khabarhub, he said the Congress has decided to contest all 165 constituencies independently.
“Even if KP Oli or Pushpa Kamal Dahal were to offer to make Gagan Thapa the prime minister, the Congress will not enter into any alliance,” Ghimire said, calling reports of a Jhapa-5–Sarlahi-4 seat adjustment baseless rumors.
Alliance talks with Harka Sampang?
Another variable in Jhapa-5 is Shram Sanskriti Party candidate Samir Tamang, who is believed to be capable of cutting into votes across major parties, particularly in Adivasi Janajati-dominated areas such as Damak, Gauradaha, Kamal and Gaurigunj.
This has sparked speculation that Oli could seek an electoral understanding with Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang. Sources claim Oli may support Sampang in Sunsari-1 in exchange for backing in Jhapa-5.
In Sunsari-1, UML has fielded Tika Limbu, while RSP leader Goma Tamang is seen as a strong contender, making Sampang’s path difficult. Although Sampang’s secretariat has denied any alliance with Oli, political observers believe last-minute maneuvering remains possible.
UML confident despite challenges
UML election commander Devendra Dahal maintains that the party is prepared to contest the elections on its own strength. “UML will emerge as the largest party after the elections,” he said, acknowledging that the party must counter what he described as confusion spread by Balen Shah.
UML Jhapa District Chair Prem Giri echoed the sentiment, stating that while voters may be curious about new political faces, votes will ultimately return to UML.
Political analysts believe Oli, known for his tactical flexibility, may yet forge a last-minute alliance with either the RPP or Shram Sanskriti Party, depending on ground realities in Jhapa-5—mirroring his past willingness to work with ideologically diverse forces.
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