Kathmandu. A dramatic development that drew nationwide attention unfolded on voting day. After casting his vote in Kathmandu and flying in a helicopter, senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Balendra Shah (Balen), was forced to return to Kathmandu mid-flight without reaching his destination.
Tension in the UML camp, Chief Minister’s swift intervention
After voting in Kathmandu-2, Balen boarded a Mountain Air helicopter and headed toward Jhapa Constituency No. 5, where he is a candidate. According to the plan, Balen intended to land by helicopter and visit several polling centres in Jhapa. However, once information about this plan spread, Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Karki raised strong objections. He reportedly contacted Prime Minister Sushila Karki, the Home Minister, and the Election Commission, expressing concern that such an entry could directly influence voters.
Election Commission’s immediate action: Helicopter could not land in Jhapa
Following the Chief Minister’s objection and complaints from other candidates, the Election Commission took immediate action. On the order of Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ramprasad Bhandari, the helicopter carrying Balen was instructed to return before landing in Jhapa. As a result, the helicopter turned back mid-route and returned to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Airport officials have confirmed that the helicopter returned to the capital.
Strategy in the contest with KP Sharma Oli
It should be noted that Jhapa-5 is the high-profile constituency where UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, NCP’s Ranjit Tamang, and Nepali Congress candidate Mandhara Chimoria are contesting alongside Balen. Balen’s helicopter move on election day has stirred political discussions not only in Jhapa but across the country.
Although his journey through the sky was halted, whether Balen will be able to influence the ground-level outcome in Jhapa-5 remains to be seen.