Artist Prakash Saput's Unexpected Political Entry with Rastriya Swatantra Party Sparks Buzz in Baglung

Baglung. Artist Prakash Saput's name is included at number two in the Dalit male cluster of the proportional representation closed list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). When Saput's name suddenly appeared on the proportional list on Poush 15, many were surprised, which also created a stir in Baglung.

Saput, who established himself in the arts after a long struggle, surprised his well-wishers when he suddenly entered politics. When his name appeared on the RSP's proportional list, many in Baglung whispered, "This was UML, how did he end up in RSP?"

Before this, although Prakash was not openly political, he was affiliated with the CPN-UML's mass organization, Press Chautari, since his time as a journalist. A leader from Press Chautari stated that his background has been UML since he came down from the village to Baglung bazaar.

The leader said, "Prakash Dai's background is UML. He worked while affiliated with Press Chautari when we were doing journalism together in Baglung. His inclination was towards UML. How he ended up in RSP! That is incomprehensible."

Some of Prakash's statements also reflected closeness to UML. Last year on Falgun 19, he made a statement about KP Sharma Oli, former Prime Minister and CPN-UML Chairman, at the book launch event for 'KP Oli: Dream, Struggle, and Resolve'. That incident drew him into controversy. Many argue that Saput's songs and Basanta Film did not perform well due to that controversy.

• Saput Competes with Leaders He Admires

Prakash is a local of Dhambja, Ward No. 3, Kathekhola Rural Municipality, Baglung. He considered Hirabahadur KC and Kulbahadur Bik from his village as his role models among leaders. In a television show last year, when asked, "Which leader immediately comes to mind?", Saput had replied, "When I say leader, I think of our own Ward Chairman Kulbahadur and UML leader Hirabahadur KC."

The leader he admires, Bik, is currently the Ward Chairman of Ward No. 3, Dhambja, Kathekhola Rural Municipality. He was elected Chairman from the CPN-UML ticket in the local level elections of 079 BS.

The other person he admires, KC, is the UML Chairman of Baglung and is a candidate for the upcoming House of Representatives election from Baglung-1. KC is also Saput's neighbor. KC has been campaigning door-to-door seeking votes since filing his nomination on Magh 6. Saput also came to Baglung bazaar on Saturday to participate in voter meetings and gatherings.

Kulbahadur Bik, whom Saput admires as a leader, expressed happiness that two close relatives from the same ward are contesting in the elections this time, one directly and one proportionally from different parties. He stated that if both are elected to the parliament, it would be easier to complete the unfinished plans of the village.

Bik said, "Hiraji is the candidate from my own party for the direct election, and Prakash also has his name in RSP for proportional representation. Our village has received two candidates this time. If both become MPs, they will work for the development of this area. I am also the Ward Chairman now; we will work in coordination."

• Saput Begins Door-to-Door Canvassing and Rallies

After becoming an RSP proportional candidate, Saput arrived in his home district Baglung on Saturday. Upon arriving in Baglung, he first visited Sarvasiddhidham Panchakot and viewed the 5,555 kg Maha Ghanta (Great Bell). Prakash, dressed in black in the 'style' of RSP senior leader Balen, visited Panchakot and conducted door-to-door canvassing in Ramrekha, Ward No. 1, Baglung Municipality, on Saturday.

He sought votes from the electorate for RSP's direct candidate in Baglung-1, Sushil Khadka. On Sunday, he held ward meetings and door-to-door campaigns in Tamankhola Rural Municipality, the most remote area of Baglung.

He wrote on social media, "This is a symbolic picture. My election journey formally began from my home district. That too after taking blessings from Panchakot. Now I will go on a nationwide campaign."

Mahendra Khadka, Chairman of RSP Baglung, stated that it has become easier to meet voters and seek votes since Prakash Saput arrived in Baglung. He mentioned that Saput participated in door-to-door canvassing and ward meetings seeking votes in Baglung Constituency No. 2 on Sunday along with leaders and cadres.

Chairman Khadka shared that they expect more votes in the election due to the 'craze' many people have for Prakash. "There is a lot of enthusiasm when Prakashji comes to his own village/hometown. He is also a proportional candidate. It has become easier to seek votes when he comes to the district. Voters were also eager to meet him," said Chairman Khadka. "He also has responsibilities in other districts. We will keep him in Baglung for a long time. He also has to cover other places."

In Baglung, which has two constituencies, there are 11 candidates in Constituency No. 1. Besides Hirabahadur from CPN-UML and Sushil Khadka from RSP, candidates include Bhim Bahadur Shrees Rana from Nepali Congress, Kalyan Acharya from Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Chitra Prasad Sapkota from Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party.

Similarly, in Constituency No. 2, candidates include Manju Sharma from UML, Tekraj Poudel from Nepali Congress, Gyannath Gaire from CPN, Som Sharma from Rastriya Swatantra Party, Anchal Shahi from Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Padambahadur Kunwar from Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party.