Dr. Thapa vows ‘revolution’ after RSP candidacy win

KATHMANDU: Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa, who has been selected as the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate for the Rupandehi-3 by-election, has pledged to bring about “epoch-making change” in Nepal.

Soon after winning through the party’s primary election process, Dr. Thapa described the contest as not just an ordinary election, but a clarion call for “revolution.”

Expressing heartfelt gratitude, Dr. Thapa thanked senior RSP leaders including DP Aryal, Swarnim Wagle, Bipin Acharya, and Kabindra Burlakoti for guiding him on this political journey. He also extended special appreciation to the eight fellow aspirants who competed with him in the primaries. “In the beginning, we were strangers, but now we have become like members of the same family,” he remarked.

From Medicine to Politics: A Journey of Dedication

Sharing his personal story, Dr. Thapa revealed that he left behind a successful medical career to devote himself fully to social and political transformation. “I set aside many of my personal professional pursuits because I felt it was time to contribute to society in a new way—to shape policies and guide the nation in a new direction, which is exactly the spirit of our party,” he explained.

He recalled how Swarnim Wagle once asked him if he was “ready to dedicate” himself, to which he now confidently responds that he is not only ready but has already fully committed to this campaign.

Inspired by Rupandehi and His Mother’s Vision

Dr. Thapa expressed deep gratitude to the people of Rupandehi for their affection, goodwill, and trust, saying that their support has created a strong foundation of belief from the local to the central level. He grew emotional as he spoke about his 96-year-old mother, who still lives in Bhairahawa. “My mother has waited her entire life for a voice of real change. At 96, she still wonders when that day will come. Now, I am determined to ensure she witnesses that transformation within her lifetime,” he said, promising to introduce her to senior party leaders and fulfill her lifelong dream of change.

This touching moment left many in the audience visibly moved.

“This Is Not an Election, This Is a Revolution”

Citing the words of RSP President Rabi Lamichhane, Dr. Thapa said he has embraced the message that “this is not an election, this is a revolution.” He vowed to turn Rupandehi-3 into a model constituency that showcases the transformative vision of the RSP. “Let us no longer think of this as just change; let us see it as a revolution we are committed to,” he declared.

Gratitude to Media, Diaspora, and Supporters

Dr. Thapa also thanked the media, the Nepali diaspora, and everyone who has supported his campaign directly or indirectly. He described the messages of encouragement from abroad as deeply moving, adding, “Some people might even cry when they hear what I’ve just said.”

In conclusion, Dr. Thapa called on those who have lost hope to gather the courage to hope again. “We will not disappoint you,” he assured. Quoting a famous English saying, he emphasized the importance of collective effort: “If you want to go short, you can go alone. But if you want to go far, you need to go together.”

Acknowledging that he is still learning and will continue to learn from everyone, he ended his remarks with the party’s rallying cry: “Jai Ghanti!”