Kathmandu, Feb. 18 -- In previous elections, CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli travelled extensively across Nepal, addressing mass rallies and positioning himself as a central figure who could win votes nationwide.

This time, however, the four-time prime minister has been confined to his own constituency, Jhapa-5, reflecting the changing dynamics of the upcoming parliamentary election.

After Balendra Shah, popularly called Balen, resigned as Kathmandu mayor to contest against Oli in Jhapa-5, the latter has hardly had time to travel to other places to canvass votes for his fellow comrades.

Conducting extensive door-to-door campaigns, listening to people's grievances, and appealing for votes-these are alien to Oli, someone who has registered h...