Kathmandu, January 18
There was widespread speculation that Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah would resign on Magh 4. His secretariat had earlier informed the media that he would submit his resignation on the same day and proceed to the Rastriya Swatantra Party office.
According to the plan discussed earlier, Shah was expected to resign on Magh 4, go to the Rastriya Swatantra Party office, and address the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s declaration assembly in Janakpur on Magh 5. Based on this plan, Kathmandu Metropolitan City had also prepared its schedule. Chief Administrative Officer Saroj Guragain, Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, and other officials had planned to formally bid farewell to Mayor Shah on Sunday.
“We were ready to bid him farewell today. After working together for so long, a farewell was natural,” said a metropolitan employee. “But he did not come. Perhaps he could not make it.”
From Sunday morning, officials who wished to see off the mayor had completed all preparations. Deputy Mayor Dangol had also stated that an official farewell should be held even if only a few people were present.
According to metropolitan sources, officials repeatedly called the mayor. When asked what arrangements should be made for the farewell, Mayor Shah reportedly responded that he would inform them later. Despite uncertainty, the team remained prepared and waited for him throughout the day.
Meanwhile, reports emerged that the mayor had decided not to resign immediately. According to a leader close to Shah, he was reconsidering resignation amid speculation that elections could be postponed if the Nepali Congress approached the court. There was also advice that even if he filed candidacy on time, his mayoral post might automatically be annulled, prompting him to put the resignation on hold.
“Later, he sought further advice. Then, suddenly, he decided to resign and go to the Rastriya Swatantra Party office,” a source close to Shah said.
Shah subsequently went to the office after submitting his resignation through his secretariat to Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol. However, the metropolitan team that had been waiting since morning was left disappointed and had to accept the resignation through a representative. The planned farewell programme was cancelled.
After resigning, Shah reached the office in a vehicle belonging to Gen-Z leader Sudan Gurung. He stood alongside Rabi Lamichhane and rang the bell installed in front of the office building.
After spending some time in his office, Shah left. While he did not receive an official farewell from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, he was formally welcomed by Rabi Lamichhane at the office.
Meanwhile, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol has assumed the role of acting chief. She automatically took on the responsibility following Mayor Balen Shah’s resignation from office.
