KATHMANDU: After completing his tour of eastern Nepal, senior Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leader Balendra Shah is currently on a political outreach tour in Sudurpaschim Province.
Following a two-day stay in Jhapa Constituency-5, Shah had traveled through the hill districts before returning briefly to Kathmandu three days ago. However, instead of resuming party activities in the capital, Shah sent his wife, Sabina Kafle, to continue door-to-door campaigning in Jhapa-5, while he himself embarked on a tour of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.
Entering Sudurpaschim via Kailali, Shah has reached the hill districts of Bajhang and Bajura. His tour comes at a time when RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane has largely remained out of public view.
Lamichhane was last seen publicly with Shah in Janakpur on January 19. Since then, he has neither appeared in Chitwan nor participated in public programs in Kathmandu. On Tuesday, the party secretariat announced that Lamichhane had been hospitalized at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital due to complications arising from a leg injury.
While Lamichhane undergoes treatment, Shah has continued his nationwide outreach independently. Notably, before departing for Sudurpaschim after returning from Jhapa, Shah did not visit the party’s central office. Instead, he designated the Jawalakhel residence of his aide Kumar Ben as a temporary contact point and meeting center.
Shah arrived in Nepalgunj on January 26 before proceeding to Sudurpaschim. He is accompanied by several associates, including Sushil, brother of Sujan Kadariya—former president of UML-affiliated ANNFSU and a close aide from Shah’s tenure at Kathmandu Metropolitan City.
Though rarely seen at public events during his time as Kathmandu mayor, Shah has drawn large crowds across districts during this tour. From Janakpur onward, the number of supporters and onlookers has continued to grow, including RSP cadres, supporters of other parties, and the general public.
Shah has been seen greeting crowds in a celebrity-like manner, often standing through the sunroof of his vehicle, waving and occasionally blowing flying kisses to supporters.
RSP has been issuing daily updates on Shah’s programs during the tour. However, while earlier schedules featured only Shah’s photograph, the party has begun including Lamichhane’s image from Thursday onward.
Amid speculation that Shah’s solo activism may be unsettling the party leadership, RSP has started prominently featuring both leaders in its official posters. In the latest program schedule released on Thursday, a photograph of Lamichhane offering greetings appears at the forefront, followed by an image of Shah walking behind.
The schedule, titled “Senior Leader Balendra Shah (Balen) Public Outreach and Bell Salutation Program,” places visible emphasis on Lamichhane despite his hospitalization.
According to the party’s published itinerary, Shah is scheduled to participate in programs across Bajhang, Bajura, and Achham, including events in Safebagar and Mangalsen, on Thursday.
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