RSP replaces Rupandehi-2 candidate, fields young law student Kharel
The decision came after a late-night party meeting on Monday, which finalized Kharel as the official candidate for the constituency.
KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has made a last-minute change to its candidate for Rupandehi-2, replacing Ashish Subedi with Sulabh Kharel.
The decision came after a late-night party meeting on Monday, which finalized Kharel as the official candidate for the constituency.
Subedi had previously been granted the party ticket and deployed to the area.
However, rising dissatisfaction among local party workers and supporters prompted the leadership to intervene and adjust its candidate selection to maintain internal balance.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a RSP central leader said, “Due to strong local opposition in Rupandehi-2 and to preserve internal party harmony, we have decided to field Sulabh Kharel. He is now the official candidate representing Raswapa in this constituency.”
Kharel, a law student, had previously contested internally for Rupandehi-3 by-elections but was overlooked in favor of Dr. Lekhjang Thapa.
Meanwhile, Subedi, whose ticket was withdrawn, is reportedly close to Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.
In Rupandehi-2, the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) has nominated its vice-chair and influential leader Bishnu Poudel.
The entry of Kharel, a young and dynamic candidate, against a heavyweight like Poudel is expected to make the upcoming election in the constituency highly competitive and closely watched.
