Election Spotlight: RSP Faces High-Stakes Battles Across Jhapa
KATHMANDU / JHAPA, Nepal — As Nepal’s House of Representatives election draws near, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has thrown its weight behind five candidates in the highly competitive constituencies of Jhapa District, Koshi Province. With a mix of political newcomers, seasoned activists, and one nationally known leader, the RSP’s slate in Jhapa — Nisha Dangi (Jhapa-1), Indira Ranamagar (Jhapa-2), Prakash Pathak (Jhapa-3), Shambhu Sushkera (Jhapa-4), and Balendra “Balen” Shah (Jhapa-5) — has drawn intense scrutiny. Their prospects vary widely depending on local demographics, party organization, and the strength of traditional rivals from the Nepali Congress (NC), Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist — UML), and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Jhapa-1: Nisha Dangi — A New Face in a Traditional Battleground
Nisha Dangi, a current proportional representation (PR) member of parliament for the RSP, is contesting her first direct seat from Jhapa-1. Elected to the federal parliament in 2022 via the PR list, Dangi’s political profile is rooted in her party rather than local constituency service.
Her main opponents include Keshab Raj Pandey (Nepali Congress), Ram Chandra Upreti (UML), and Ashesh Ghimire (Nepal Communist Party — NCP) — candidates with deeper roots in local politics and stronger on-the-ground networks according to the official candidate list.
Political Context: Jhapa-1 has historically swung between major parties, with voters balancing national issues and local service delivery. Dangi’s challenge is to carve out a distinct identity beyond party affiliation — a demanding task in a constituency where established party machinery and personal vote banks matter.
Chances to Win: At this stage, Dangi is seen as an underdog. Without a long history of grassroots organization in the constituency and facing competitors with entrenched local networks, her probability of victory depends on RSP’s broader momentum and the extent to which it can mobilize undecided and youth voters. If the RSP’s appeal to reform and change resonates, especially among first-time voters, she could upset traditional calculations — albeit narrowly.
Jhapa-2: Indira Ranamagar — Veteran Activist With National Credibility
Indira Ranamagar brings a unique blend of legislative experience and social activism to her campaign. A former Deputy Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives (2023–2025), she resigned that post to contest a direct seat from Jhapa-2. Originally elected through the RSP’s proportional representation system, Ranamagar has national stature and a strong narrative of advocacy for social justice and human rights.
Her opponents include Sarita Prasai (possibly Nepali Congress), Devraj Ghimire (UML), and Dharmashila Chapagain (NCP), amongst others.
Political Context: Ranamagar’s profile — combining parliamentary leadership and grassroots advocacy — gives her an edge in a constituency that values both experience and integrity. Voters tired of traditional party politics may be inclined toward her message, especially women and youth.
Chances to Win: Of the five RSP candidates in Jhapa, Ranamagar arguably has one of the most credible chances. Her established reputation and public service record could cut through party stereotypes and attract cross-cutting support. However, her success will still hinge on local alliances and turnout, especially in rural areas where party loyalties run deep.
Jhapa-3: Prakash Pathak — Up Against a Stalwart
Prakash Pathak, the RSP nominee in Jhapa-3, is entering one of the district’s most challenging contests. His chief opponent is Rajendra Prasad Lingden, Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), a seasoned politician who has won the same seat in both the 2017 and 2022 elections. Lingden’s victories over major rivals like Nepali Congress figures demonstrate strong personal vote consolidation and organizational reach.
Other candidates include Rajendra Ghimire (Nepali Congress) and Harilal Rajbanshi (UML).
Political Context: Jhapa-3 is a traditional stronghold for Lingden and the RPP, which has tapped into local identities and grassroots structures. Even with the RSP’s energized campaign narrative, Pathak faces a tough uphill battle.
Chances to Win: Pathak’s prospects are slim unless there’s a major shift in voter sentiment or fragmentation of the traditional vote among multiple opponents. Against a heavyweight like Lingden, who has shown his ability to mobilize support repeatedly, the RSP nominee must depend on broader anti-establishment dynamics rather than constituency loyalty alone.
Jhapa-4: Shambhu Sushkera — Emerging Leader in a Crowded Field
Shambhu Sushkera, contesting from Jhapa-4, is another fresh face in direct electoral politics. The constituency includes formidable challengers: Deuman Thebe (Nepali Congress), Lal Prasad Sawa Limbu (UML), and Purushottam Chudel (NCP), among others.
Limbu, the incumbent UML MP as of the last parliament, enjoys established local recognition after securing significant votes in previous elections.
Political Context: Jhapa-4 is considered a multi-party battleground, with no single party decisively dominant. This opens the door for an RSP candidate like Sushkera if he can unify reform-oriented voters and capitalize on dissatisfaction with traditional parties.
Chances to Win: Sushkera’s chances are moderate but uncertain. He doesn’t face a heavyweight with dominance like in Jhapa-3 or Jhapa-5, but must navigate internal vote splits. Success here will depend heavily on local campaigning and whether RSP’s national narrative translates into local trust.
Jhapa-5: Balendra “Balen” Shah — RSP’s High-Profile Challenger
Perhaps the most high-profile contest involving an RSP candidate comes from Jhapa-5, where Balendra Shah (Balen) — former mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and a national public figure — is taking on **CPN-UML Chairperson and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Oli has traditionally held this seat with comfortable margins; in the 2022 election, he secured over 52,000 votes compared to the runner-up’s 23,000.
Balen’s candidacy drew nationwide attention when he resigned as Kathmandu mayor to enter the race, with hundreds of supporters turning out on nomination day.
Political Context: The Oli vs. Balen battle has been described as the “epicenter” of the national election — symbolizing a clash between entrenched political establishment and the Gen Z-inspired reform movement.
While Oli commands an extensive organizational network and deep loyalty among many voters, Balen’s candidacy is buoyed by youth enthusiasm, social media presence, and a broader narrative of change. However, Balen has also drawn scrutiny and even had to defend himself before the Election Commission over campaign remarks, highlighting the intensity of this contest.
Chances to Win: Unlike other Jhapa races, this seat could go either way. If RSP successfully consolidates anti-establishment sentiment and mobilizes undecided voters, Balen can become a surprise victor against the veteran Oli, especially if cross-party tactical voting emerges. However, Oli’s deep base and historical performance mean Balen still faces a formidable challenge.
Final Assessment
Across Jhapa’s five constituencies, the RSP’s strategy balances national profile building with attempts to break traditional political monopolies. Their candidates vary from political novices to seasoned legislators and national figures. While Indira Ranamagar and Balen Shah stand out as the most competitive, the other districts present steeper climbs against well-entrenched opponents.
Ultimately, the success of RSP in Jhapa will hinge on voter turnout, effective ground campaigns, and broader national trends — whether reform and anti-establishment sentiment continue to energize the electorate or whether traditional party loyalties reassert themselves.