Kathmandu, Jan 20 (NationPress) The political arena is heating up as former Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli goes head-to-head against Balen Shah, the ex-Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, in the upcoming parliamentary elections from the Jhapa–5 constituency in eastern Nepal, with both candidates having officially registered for the polls set for March 5.

Historically, these two leaders have harbored significant animosity towards one another, a sentiment that has been evident in their public remarks and actions during their tenures in national and local government roles.

Oli, who leads the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML), is also vying for the Prime Ministerial candidacy from his party. In contrast, Shah represents the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) as its candidate for the prime ministerial position, transforming this election into a key contest for national leadership.

This constituency has traditionally been a bastion for Oli, making it intriguing to observe how Shah, who enjoys popularity among the youth, will challenge him. After submitting his candidacy, Oli remarked to reporters that the nation requires experienced leadership especially as calls for a fresh generation to steer the country intensify.

“There are efforts to spread chaos and confusion among the new generation. To safeguard the nation, we need seasoned leadership,” Oli stated.

Additionally, Devraj Ghimire, the former Speaker of the dissolved House of Representatives, and Indira Rana, the former Deputy Speaker, are also set to contest against each other from Jhapa Constituency–2. Ghimire will represent the CPN-UML while Rana will stand for the RSP, drawing further attention to the constituency as Oli and Shah clash in Jhapa–5.

Meanwhile, newly elected President of the Nepali Congress, Gagan Kumar Thapa, will run from Sarlahi–4 in Madhesh Province, a historical stronghold of the NC. He faces Amresh Kumar Singh, a former NC lawmaker now contesting under the RSP banner. After three consecutive victories in Kathmandu–4, Thapa has shifted his focus to the Madhesh region.

Other prominent figures include Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', who is running from Rukum East Constituency No. 1, while his party's co-coordinator, Madhav Kumar Nepal, will contest from Rautahat Constituency No. 1. Prachanda previously won from Gorkha Constituency–2 in the 2022 elections.

Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, who supports the newly established Progressive Democratic Party, is also contesting from Gorkha Constituency No. 2. Additionally, RSP President Rabi Lamichhane has registered his candidacy from Chitwan–2, where he was elected in the 2022 elections.