Prakash Kafle/Kathamandu. A helicopter carrying senior leader of Rastriya Swatantra Party and Ex- Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah was reportedly instructed to return after he allegedly failed to secure prior clearance from the Election Commission.
According to airport sources, Shah cast his vote in Kathmandu before boarding a helicopter operated by Heli Everest with the intention of traveling to Jhapa. However, the flight did not proceed as planned. Instead of landing at its scheduled destination, the helicopter was redirected back to Tribhuvan International Airport.
A high-level source at the airport stated that the aircraft was not granted landing permission after officials found no record of required authorization from the Election Commission. During the election period, political leaders are required to follow strict guidelines, particularly regarding travel and campaign-related activities.
“Since there was no confirmation of prior approval from the Election Commission, clearance was not provided, and the helicopter had to return,” the source said.
The incident has drawn attention as election regulations remain in effect to ensure fairness and transparency. Authorities have yet to release an official public statement clarifying the full details of the situation.
निर्वाचन आयोगको अनुमति नलिई उडेपछि बालेन शाह सवार हेलिकोप्टर फर्काइयो
