Historic achievement: Narendra Modi congratulates Nepali people over successful polls

In a message posted on X (formerly Twitter), Modi wrote: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people and government of Nepal on the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections. It is heartening to see my Nepali sisters and brothers exercising their democratic rights so vibrantly.”

Calling it a historic milestone, he added: “This historic achievement is a proud moment in Nepal’s democratic journey.”

Highlighting India’s ties with its neighbour, Modi said: “As close friends and neighbours, India remains committed to working with the people of Nepal and their new government to achieve new heights of shared peace, progress and prosperity.”

Meanwhile, Balendra Shah, leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has emerged as the frontrunner to become the country’s next prime minister after winning the Jhapa constituency-5 seat, even before the official announcement of final results.

The seat drew significant attention as Shah was locked in a direct contest with former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli, who had been ousted from power following the Gen Z protests.

According to The Himalayan Times, Shah defeated K. P. Sharma Oli, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), by a margin of 38,065 votes.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party is steadily moving toward a sweeping victory in the polls, signalling a landslide performance in the election.

According to the Election Commission of Nepal’s latest results, the RSP has won 24 seats, while the Nepali Congress has secured four seats, the Nepal Communist Party has won two seats, and the CPN-UML has won one seat out of 31 constituencies, the newspaper reported.