Sampang rules out meeting with Balen, cites political rift
Sampang’s response comes after Balen publicly claimed he would try to bring together figures ranging from Gopi Hamal to Harka Sampang.
KATHMANDU: Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Sampang (Harkaraj Rai) has said he will not meet Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, dismissing any attempt at political reconciliation.
Sampang’s response comes after Balen publicly claimed he would try to bring together figures ranging from Gopi Hamal to Harka Sampang.
Rejecting the idea, Sampang said he would not be part of such efforts.
The rift between the two leaders dates back to the aftermath of the Gen Z movement on Bhadra 23 and 24, when discussions were underway to form an interim government.
Sampang, who was actively lobbying to become prime minister at the time, has accused Balen of failing to support him, a grievance that has since fueled sharp exchanges on social media.
On Friday morning, without naming Balen directly, Sampang wrote on Facebook: “Stop media trials. Harka Sampang will not meet those who misuse Gen Z and secretly play games that turn the country to ashes. Stop spreading rumors.”
Meanwhile, Balen has stepped up political engagements in recent days.
On Thursday alone, he held meetings with former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai, Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, and Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, among others.
Balen has said he has entrusted the Gen Z movement to Raksha Bam and reiterated his intention to reconcile various political figures, including Sampang.
