"Formally"

#13213194

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, gestures after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213195

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, arrives at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who won the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the role of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213290

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, rings a traditional bell after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper turned mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13203988

16 January 2026

Pradip Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, arrives at the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to claim the legitimacy of the party after the second special general convention. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13203993

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with the Election Commission officials after the commencement of the special general convention of the party in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204000

16 January 2026

Pradip Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, attends a meeting with Election Commission officials in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to claim the legitimacy of the party after the second special general convention. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204005

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with the Election Commission officials after the commencement of the special general convention of the party in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204010

16 January 2026

Pradip Paudel, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, attends a meeting with Election Commission officials in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to claim the legitimacy of the party after the second special general convention. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204019

16 January 2026

Bishwo Prakash Sharma, Deputy President of the Nepali Congress, gestures as he arrives at the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to attend a meeting with the officials of the electoral body to stake claims over the party ownership. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. The leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204023

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with the Election Commission officials after the commencement of the special general convention of the party in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204026

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with the Election Commission officials after the commencement of the special general convention of the party in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204029

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with the Election Commission officials after the commencement of the special general convention of the party in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204034

16 January 2026

Bishwo Prakash Sharma, Deputy President of the Nepali Congress, addresses the meeting held at the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to stake claims over the party ownership. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204041

16 January 2026

Bishwo Prakash Sharma, Deputy President of the Nepali Congress, shakes hands with supporters as he exits the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, staking claim over the party ownership. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204045

16 January 2026

Bishwo Prakash Sharma, Deputy President of the Nepali Congress, shakes hands with supporters as he exits the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, staking claim over the party ownership. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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#13204051

16 January 2026

Cadres of the Nepali Congress stage a demonstration outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until January 15 morning. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. The leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions.

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