Biratnagar, Jan. 13 -- The political climate in Jhapa-5 has heated up after Balendra Shah, a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, signalled his intention to contest the House of Representatives elections from the constituency.

The potential candidacy has triggered fresh debate, particularly among youth leaders affiliated with various political parties, many of whom see the upcoming election as an opportunity for leadership transition. Jhapa-5, long dominated by familiar faces and entrenched power centres, is now witnessing renewed discussion on political change.

Oli was elected from the constituency with a wide margin of 28,842 votes in the 2017 elections. Oli received 57,139 votes whil...