Janta Samajbadi Party Chief Upendra Yadav Questions Mayor Balen Shah's Political Stance and Ideological Grounding

Rupandehi. Upendra Yadav, Chairman of the Janta Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal, has raised serious questions about the political existence and ideological foundation of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah (Balen). Speaking at a press conference organized in Bhairahawa, Rupandehi on Monday, Yadav questioned where Balen was when the Madhesi people were shedding blood for their identity and rights.

Commenting that Balen lacks any clear stance or contribution on the fundamental and core issues of the Madhes, he stated that politics cannot run merely on hype. Chairman Yadav claimed that although figures like those from the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Balen Shah are currently gaining much traction on social media, they have no real impact on the ground.

Stating that the people of Madhes clearly understand who fought for their rights and who engaged in opportunistic politics, he warned that merely shaking the 'bell' (RSP symbol) will not shake the Madhes. Asserting that JSP is the only force that genuinely represents the Madhesi, indigenous nationalities, Dalits, Muslims, and oppressed communities, he advised the new forces to understand the ground reality.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the country's political situation, Yadav accused the Congress and Communist governments, which have been in power alternately for the past 35 years, of ruining the country's agriculture, education, and health sectors. His critique was that the major parties are busy in the dirty game of splitting each other's parties rather than focusing on development and good governance. He clarified that since the flaws in the current constitution have been proven over time, constitutional amendment is the only option, and national unity is impossible without resolving the problems of the oppressed communities.

At the same event, JSP senior leader and candidate for the House of Representatives from Rupandehi Constituency No. 4, Sarbendra Nath Shukla, recalled the state's brutal suppression of innocent citizens during the Madhes movement. He urged voters to remain vigilant, alleging that attempts are being made to weaken the forces that fought for Madhes' rights.

Leaders claimed that no matter how much confusion is spread by forces unfamiliar with the soil of Madhes and its problems, it will have no effect on the elections.