KATHMANDU, Jan 25: Social activist Iih offered a sharp-witted critique of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) senior leader Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, over his refusal to participate in a election debate, calling the move a face-saving strategy.
On social media, Iih satirised Balen, saying that instead of risking a slip on stage, it is better to opt for a managed appearance — or even better, to just post a status.
Balen to Iih: Fulfillment of your demands goes against the law
Iih took aim at Shah’s strategy of avoiding a public debate with CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli. He further argued that Oli’s relevance has faded and rhetorically asked whether the country really needs another “larger KP” in the future.
Calls for a public debate among prime ministerial contenders — Oli, Nepali Congress president Gagan Thapa, and Shah — have been growing on social media.
While Oli accepting call for debate welcomed it through social media, Shah has declined, and Thapa has remained silent.
Shah and Oli are contesting from Jhapa-5, while Thapa is running from Sarlahi-4 for the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) election.
