The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has suffered a political setback in Jhapa-5, the electoral constituency of party chair and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli, as well as his hometown Damak. Chhabi Khatriwada, Chair of the Damak Municipal Committee of the National Youth Association Nepal, an organization affiliated with UML, has resigned from both the party and his organizational post and announced support for independent candidate Balen Shah.
Khatriwada made the announcement through a post on Facebook, stating that he has stepped down as the chair of the National Youth Association Nepal’s Damak Municipal Committee and relinquished his status as an organized member of CPN (UML). His decision is seen as significant, as Damak and Jhapa-5 are traditionally considered strongholds, or “strong red bases,” of the UML.
In his resignation statement, Khatriwada said he chose to align himself with the “changing times and emerging political direction,” and therefore decided to support Balen Shah. He stated that he would now pursue an independent political path while actively supporting Shah’s candidacy from Jhapa-5.
UML Chair KP Sharma Oli himself is contesting the House of Representatives election from Jhapa-5, making the development politically significant within the constituency.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
