Sudurpaschim Province
Balendra Shah completes Sudurpaschim tour
Senior RSP leader adopts brief, symbolic visits in all 16 constituencies of the province.Menuka Dhungana
Senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Balendra Shah, better known as Balen, completed his Sudurpaschim Province tour on Friday by visiting Mangalsen, Kamalbazar and Binayak in Achham.
With the Friday afternoon visit to Binayak, Shah concluded his campaign to reach all 16 constituencies of the province.
On the first day of the tour, he visited eight constituencies—five in Kailali and three in Kanchanpur. The next day, he visited Dadeldhura, Baitadi and Darchula, and reached Bajhang that night. On the third day, he moved from Bajura to Achham-1’s Sanfebagar, followed by a visit to Doti. On the fourth day, he spent time in various locations of Achham-2.
Shah spent only five minutes each in Mangalsen, Kamalbazar and Binayak, which fall under Achham-2, the constituency of his personal secretary and House of Representatives candidate Bhupdev Shah. He did not deliver public speeches at any location; instead ringing the bell(the party’s election symbol) at party offices and waved to supporters from his vehicle before moving to the next destination.
He avoided speeches, one-on-one interactions, and long stays, typically spending just 10–15 minutes in each constituency, a pattern observed in his previous campaigns as well.
Supporters had prepared to welcome him in Kamalbazar, but his brief bell-ringing visit drew criticism on social media from some locals and party supporters.
Shah’s close aides say the strategy is deliberate, focusing on symbolic presence rather than speeches. His supporters argue that through bell-ringing, silence, and quick transitions, he aims to challenge traditional political practices.




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