Literary Figure Ganes Poudel Wins House of Representatives Seat in Kaski-1

Ganes Poudel is a well-known name in literary circles. Although his actual name is 'Khadgaraj,' many know him as Ganes. He is not only an author but also a promoter of reading culture. Poudel's identity is no longer limited to this; having won the election for the House of Representatives from Kaski-1, the title of 'Member of Parliament' has now been added to his profile.

Poudel, the candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), won with 39,883 votes. Having been involved in literary writing, promoting reading culture, and advocating for social issues while based in Pokhara, he has finally integrated himself into politics. Poudel, a resident of Majheripatan, Pokhara Metropolitan City-14, had expressed a desire to enter active politics since 2079 BS.

In the local level elections of 2079 BS, he contested for the post of Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City with the agenda of making local elections non-partisan. At that time, he contested under the 'Lauro' (Stick) symbol and was defeated, securing 5,128 votes.

Poudel had launched the 'Atteri Campaign' against party monopoly, corruption, and malpractice. In that election, members of the 'Atteri Campaign' contested elections in various local levels across the country, including Pokhara.

While Poudel contested independently in the local level elections, this time he won as a candidate from a political party in the House of Representatives election. After being elected, Poudel, a central member of the RSP, stated that he would address the demands and aspirations of the voters at the policy level. "The vote RSP has received now is a vote of hope; voters have trusted us and cast their votes," Poudel said, "We must not let the voters' hopes turn into disappointment, and we will not let it happen."

Poudel stated that he would play a role in documenting the aspirations manifested by the younger generation in the 'GenZ' movement and taking the movement's demands to the policy level. He mentioned that he would prioritize policy formulation alongside local development issues. Poudel has been vigorously raising issues concerning the conservation of environment, heritage, art, and culture through various mediums. He emerged as an author with his first novel 'Paitala' in 2074 BS and is equally adept at journalistic writing.

The Nepali version of the world-renowned author John Steinbeck's book 'Of Mice and Men,' titled 'Musa Manush,' is also a translated work by Poudel. Poudel is also the conceptualizer of the 'Random Readers Society of Nepal,' established for the development of reading culture in Pokhara. He played a leading role in raising the concerns of citizens in the area affected by the Pokhara International Airport.

Born in 2036 BS in Majheripatan, Pokhara Metropolitan City-14, Poudel holds an MBA from Pokhara University and a Bachelor's degree in English Literature from Tribhuvan University. He also has experience in the teaching profession.

In Kaski-1, his closest competitor Tilak Ranabhat of the Nepali Congress secured 11,214 votes, Bainbahadur Adhikari Chhetri of CPN (UML) received 10,429 votes, and Rajkaji Gurung of the Communist Party of Nepal secured 2,479 votes.