RSP proportional list sees high-profile withdrawals

KATHMANDU: The list of candidates withdrawing their names from the proportional representation (PR) list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has intensified, with several high-profile figures announcing their exit from the closed list submitted for the House of Representatives election.

Mountaineer Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, singer Dr. Trishala Gurung, actor and television presenter Aasif Shah, and Sachin Dhakal, son of industrialist Chandra Dhakal, have all formally declared their decision to withdraw from the proportional candidate list.

The RSP’s PR list submitted to the Election Commission had included several well-known personalities from diverse fields.

However, the party has faced mounting criticism both internally and externally over alleged nepotism and familial connections, prompting renewed debate over the spirit of proportional representation.

Against this backdrop, all four individuals stated that they decided to withdraw their names in response to public sentiment and party feedback.

Aasif Shah

Aasif Shah, who was ranked number one in the Muslim male cluster under the proportional list, announced his withdrawal through social media. In a Facebook post on Saturday, Shah said he respected public opinion and the sentiments expressed by party members.

“I cannot choose a path to becoming a Member of Parliament through the proportional list if it hurts the feelings of the public and my party colleagues,” he wrote.

Although expressing interest in politics, Shah clarified that he would not immediately enter active party politics. He reaffirmed his intention to contest the next direct election from Kathmandu–5, stating that he remains firmly committed to competing through the electoral process rather than the proportional system.

Sachin Dhakal

Sachin Dhakal, the Chairperson of FC Chitwan and an entrepreneur involved in sports, tourism, and the hospitality sector, was also included in the RSP’s proportional list.

He was placed second in the Khas Arya category and was reportedly recommended under the quota associated with Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah.

Prior to RSP’s unification efforts, Mayor Shah had held a series of meetings with various individuals, including Dhakal. On Sunday morning, Dhakal announced his withdrawal via Facebook.

Expressing gratitude to the party leadership, he wrote: “I sincerely thank the party leadership for including me in the proportional list at a time when the country needs social transformation and development driven by youth and entrepreneurship.”

However, he said that, respecting the spirit and values of the proportional electoral system enshrined in the Constitution, he had decided to withdraw his name this time due to personal reasons.

Dhakal also stated that he remains always ready to assume political responsibility in the future if required for the benefit of the nation and society.

Dr. Trishala Gurung

Singer and medical doctor Dr. Trishala Gurung also decided to withdraw her name from the proportional closed list. She said that although being recommended was a great honor, self-reflection led her to conclude that she would not pursue a political position at this time.

In a Facebook post, Gurung wrote: “I am committed to serving the community through art and healthcare. Even without holding a political position, I will continue to work as a voice for society.”

Tashi Lakpa Sherpa

Renowned mountaineer Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, CEO of Fourteen Peaks Expedition, had announced his withdrawal earlier on Poush 17 via Facebook. Stating that he has no interest in party politics, Sherpa wrote that he prefers to contribute to the nation through his professional work.

“I want to serve the country through my own efforts. As an ordinary citizen, I will continue to play my role in national development,” he stated.

Sherpa also extended best wishes to all political parties and deserving candidates for the upcoming election.

Notably, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa is the younger brother of Tashi Mingma Sherpa, who recently joined the RSP.

A video wishing success to his elder brother’s political journey had been made public shortly before Tashi Lakpa announced his withdrawal.