Pokhara, 1 January | Rabi Lamichhane, the Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has formally dismissed allegations that his party’s proportional representation closed list is disproportionately dominated by candidates from Morang and Chitwan districts. Speaking to media representatives in Pokhara on Wednesday, Lamichhane clarified that the widespread rumors of a heavy regional bias are factually incorrect and do not reflect the reality of the party’s internal selection. Addressing specific inquiries about the reported presence of 21 candidates from these two districts, he asserted that after verification, it was found that only four to six individuals from those areas are actually on the list.
Lamichhane further explained that the public misconception arose because only a handful of well-known faces, totaling about eight to ten people, have received significant media attention. He pointed out that while celebrities and prominent figures from certain regions are being discussed, the representation of candidates from remote areas like Jumla and diverse landscapes across the Madhesh, Hills, and Mountains is being overlooked. According to the Chairman, the RSP’s list of 110 candidates is inclusive and balanced, representing all geographical and marginalized sectors of Nepal. He urged the public and the press to look beyond the famous names to see the full, diverse spectrum of the party’s candidates.
