Pokhara, 28 January | As the race for the House of Representatives in Kaski Constituency No. 3 intensifies, 36-year-old Arjun Khanal has emerged as the youngest candidate among the 15 contenders vying for the seat. Representing the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Khanal’s political trajectory is marked by a significant ideological shift from his early days in the communist movement to becoming a staunch advocate for a Hindu state. Currently a Central Committee member and a member of the Party’s Tourism Department, Khanal is positioning himself as a radical alternative to the established republican parties, calling for a complete reversal of the country’s current political structure.
Khanal’s academic and professional background adds a layer of depth to his political persona. Holding a Master’s degree in Economics, he is a successful tourism entrepreneur who provides employment to approximately 200 individuals across various districts in Nepal. He believes that economic prosperity can be achieved primarily through the strategic development of the tourism sector. His journey into RPP followed stints in the Akhanda Nepal Party and Bibeksheel Sajha, where he consistently opposed ethnic-based federalism and advocated for the restoration of a Hindu identity. He eventually found his ideological home in the RPP’s vision of ‘Prithvipath,’ emphasizing national unity and traditional values.
In his campaign trail, Khanal has been vocal about his intent to dismantle the pillars of the 2015 Constitution: secularism, federalism, and the republican system. “All other candidates here represent the republican mindset that imposed secularism and federalism on this nation. My candidacy is specifically aimed at overturning these three elements,” he asserted. His manifesto advocates for a constitutional monarchy, a Hindu Kingdom that respects Buddhist and Kirat heritages, and a strengthened central government alongside empowered local bodies instead of provincial structures. Additionally, he champions a directly elected Prime Minister and a complete restructuring of the healthcare and education sectors to ensure better accessibility for the common citizen.
