Rastriya Swatantra Party Fields Mostly New Candidates for Upcoming Elections, Sparking Internal Dissent

Pokhara. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has nominated significantly fewer candidates who contested the previous House of Representatives elections, opting instead for new faces in the upcoming polls.

New candidates have been fielded in all constituencies except for three in Gandaki Province. In Gandaki Province, RSP has only renominated Rajan Gautam from Nawalparasi-1, Kabindra Burlakoti from Gorkha-2, and Dharma KC from Lamjung. New RSP candidates are contesting in the remaining 15 constituencies. Furthermore, there has been opposition in some districts over tickets being given to individuals who had not actively worked within the party organization.

Raju Rai, who contested the previous election in Kaski-1, stated that the ticket distribution was opaque and contrary to the spirit of the organization, adding that they would seek internal accountability. He said, 'We have no ill feelings towards friends who joined during the party unification; we welcomed everyone. We even openly conceded constituencies to such friends,' he said, 'But even in places where the original RSP candidates were, those who worked hard within the organization have been overshadowed by newcomers and opportunists. We will seek accountability for this internally.'

Khimananda Kandel, who contested from Baglung-1 for RSP in the last election, is dissatisfied with the current ticket distribution. He has been continuously expressing dissatisfaction with the party's ticket allocation. He became disgruntled, alleging direct interference by Chairman Rabi Lamichhane.

'This superhero model of politics is merely a temporary resting place for the public's widespread anger; it will never solve the country's fundamental problems,' he said. 'The solution to the problem is to bring morally upright and dedicated individuals who have contributed to society throughout their lives into state power, rather than the wealthy, businesspeople, and YouTubers.'

Rajendra Sharma, a ticket aspirant from the same constituency, quit the party the day before filing nominations and took the nomination papers from the Ujyalo Nepal Party. However, after central leaders managed to placate the dissent, he did not file his nomination under the Ujyalo ticket. He is currently campaigning for the RSP.

In Kaski-2, the ward chairpersons of 10 local units expressed dissatisfaction with the ticket distribution by writing a letter to the center, requesting a change in the ticket. However, the ticket has not been changed. A complaint among RSP leaders is that the currently distributed tickets prioritize controversial figures, well-known faces, and those close to leaders.

What was yesterday, what is today?

In the last election, Subarna Rokaha was the candidate from Gorkha-1. Now, Sudan Gurung, who is active in the Gen Z campaign, has been given the ticket. Similarly, in Manang, Mukhyag Gurung was the candidate previously, but now Anil Gurung has been handed the ticket, though he did not file his candidacy. In Tanahun-1, Bikash Sigdel was sidelined, and Swarnim Wagle has been made the candidate since the by-election. A new candidate has also been finalized for Tanahun-2. RSP, which fielded Bijay Joshi in the 2079 election, has now nominated Sriram Neupane from a different constituency (Constituency No. 1).

RSP has new candidates in all three constituencies in Kaski, which yielded the best results. Initially, Raju Rai was the candidate from Constituency No. 1, Madhav Kandel from 2, and Yograj Poudel from 3. Now, Khadkaraj Poudel has been given the ticket in 1, Uttam Poudel in 2, and Bina Gurung in 3.

Nawalpur's Constituency No. 2 also has a new candidate. Shaligram Neupane, who contested the first election, has been replaced by Manish Khanal for the ticket this time.

RSP has new candidates in both constituencies in Syangja. In Constituency No. 1, Dhananjay Regmi, a controversial figure, has become the candidate, sidelining Bodhraj Regmi, who supported the party during a crisis. In Constituency No. 2, Tikraj Gurung was the initial candidate; now Jhabilal Dumre has received the ticket.

Sudesh Gurung averted a crisis for Mustang. Although he was initially placed on the proportional representation list, his name was removed from the final closed list. Aditiya Thakali, who left the teaching profession to enter politics, has become the candidate there.

In Myagdi, Haribahadur Khatri Chhetri was the 2079 candidate. Although Yuvraj Roka received the ticket this time, he announced his withdrawal of candidacy to support independent candidate Mahabir Pun.

Both constituencies in Baglung have been taken over by newcomers. Internal conflict has increased in the party due to a lack of caution in candidate selection. Sushil Khadka is the candidate in Constituency No. 1 now, and Suman Sharma in 2. In the last election, Khimmananda Kandel was the candidate from 1, and Tila Khatri from 2. In Parbat, Jal Bahadur Purja Pun was the candidate in the previous election, but Sagar Bhusal has been given the ticket instead this time.