JHAPA: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chair Rajendra Lingden has ruled out any electoral alliance in Jhapa and other constituencies ahead of the upcoming polls.
Speaking to Khabarhub, Lingden dismissed speculation of seat-sharing between RPP and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Jhapa-3 and Jhapa-5, saying, “This time, RPP will not collaborate with any party. We will test ourselves by working directly with the people.”
In the 2022 elections, Lingden had won the House of Representatives seat from Jhapa-3 with support from CPN-UML, while in Jhapa-5, CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli emerged victorious with RPP backing. This has led many to speculate about possible cooperation between Oli and Lingden this time as well.
However, sources say Lingden has not responded to calls from Oli. When asked directly about potential collaboration, Lingden reiterated that RPP would not ally with any party, preferring to engage voters independently. On questions about ignoring Oli’s call, he said, “Sometimes one is busy and cannot respond even to friends’ calls.”
Local observers note that if Lingden and Oli had coordinated as in the previous election, it could have eased victories for both in Jhapa-3 and Jhapa-5. Similarly, RPP’s support could have helped Balen Shah secure an easier win in Jhapa-5.
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