Amid escalating controversy over the proportional closed list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), five candidates included in the list have withdrawn their names. The candidates who stepped back were included in the list under the quotas linked to Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah and Nepal Electricity Authority Managing Director Kulman Ghising, who is often referred to as a prospective energy minister.
Those who withdrew their names are Dr. Mahendra Lawati, Trishala Gurung, Sachin Dhakal, Ashif Shah, and Tashi Lhakpa Sherpa. According to party sources, Dr. Lawati and Gurung were included in the proportional list under Kulman Ghising’s quota, while Sachin Dhakal, Ashif Shah, and Tashi Lhakpa Sherpa were included based on the recommendation (quota) of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah.
After the proportional list was made public, strong dissatisfaction emerged both within and outside the party. Allegations were raised that leaders who had contributed since the party’s establishment were sidelined, while individuals who joined recently or were backed by external influence were prioritized. In particular, the party leadership has been criticized for allegedly using a “quota system.”
As the controversy intensified, the RSP’s proportional list also faced sharp criticism on social media. Party members, supporters, and well-wishers expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the list did not align with the party’s core slogans of alternative politics and transparency.
Meanwhile, RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane has clarified that necessary amendments will be made to the proportional closed list within the deadline set by the Election Commission. He stated that complaints and suggestions raised within the party would be taken seriously and claimed that the list would be balanced based on inclusiveness and contribution.
All five candidates who withdrew their names stated that they did so voluntarily to avoid dragging the party and the electoral process into unnecessary controversy. They said the decision was taken with the long-term interests of the party in mind.
Political observers are closely watching how the proportional list controversy will affect the party’s internal unity and public image in the upcoming election. As the Election Commission’s deadline approaches, the nature of the revised list submitted by the party leadership is expected to be decisive.
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