KATHMANDU: Despite being in the ruling coalition comprising CPN-UML, Maoist Center, and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) at the center, RSP has decided to contest the by-election in Ilam Constituency-2 independently.

RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane has announced that his party will contest the election independently in Ilam-2, scheduled for April 28.

The dynamics of the Ilam Constituency-2 by-election shifted with the departure of the Nepali Congress (NC), leading to the formation of a new five-party government on March 6.

However, the ruling parties are gearing up to contest independently in the Ilam-2 by-election.

Following the demise of CPN-UML leader Subash Nemwang, certain leaders assert that the new ruling coalition has reached an agreement to field separate candidates in the by-elections.

Despite forming an alliance among CPN-UML, Maoist Center, RSP, Unified Socialist, and Janata Samajwadi Party, they are set to field individual candidates in the Ilam-2 by-elections.

RSP Chairman Lamichhane, who is also the Home Minister, emphasized the need for a clear policy on the Ilam by-election following the formation of the new government.

On the other hand, UML Chairman KP Oli said it is the concerned party’s choice on the matter.

Quoting Lamichhane, a source said, “We should not prevent any party from contesting the election independently.”

Similarly, UML Chairman Oli asserted that regardless of the decisions of Maoist Center, JSP, and other parties, UML would nominate its candidate and contest the elections independently.

He stated, “We, too, have a clear stance. Ilam-2 is CPN-UML’s stronghold.”

It should be noted that during a meeting attended by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, UML Chairman Oli, JSP Chairman Upendra Yadav, and RSP Chairman Lamichhane, it was agreed that the parties desiring an alliance can select their candidates accordingly.

However, parties wishing to contest independently are free to pick their candidates.

RSP General Secretary Mukul Dhakal affirmed the party’s commitment to contest the by-election in Ilam-2 independently.

He commented, “We will choose our candidate. We have no objection if the other four parties form an alliance.”

The potential candidacy of Jhalanath Khanal in the upcoming Ilam-2 by-elections adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape.

Meanwhile, Chairman of CPN-UML Ilam district, Mahesh Basnet, expressed UML’s determination to nominate its candidate, saying, “We are prepared for that since there’s a clear chance of winning.”

It should be noted that in a strategic move, UML Chairman Oli has instructed Suhang Nembang, the son of late Subash Nemwang, to prepare for the upcoming by-elections in Ilam.

Currently engaged in grassroots work in Ilam villages, Suhang may secure the ticket from the left alliance.

Despite this, Suhang expressed unawareness of such discussions.

On the other hand, reflecting the nuanced nature of the political landscape, RSP leader Dhakal stated that discussions are going on from all angles.

Sources also said that the prospect of Suhang departing from UML to join RSP remains slim.

Contrary to a straightforward ticket-seeking process, Dhakal emphasized that RSP is meticulous in candidate selection.

“We will analyze everything before picking the candidate,” Dhakal said.

It should be noted that RSP dispatched six lawmakers to Ilam to prepare for the by-elections, strategically assigning roles in different municipalities and rural municipalities.

While UML has not officially spoken on the issue, speculation arises among UML leaders about possible developments between Oli and Khanal.

Dhakal highlighted the importance of understanding local needs and geography, although challenges arose in coordination due to the recently formed alliance.

Amid rumors suggesting Ramesh Prasai, a central member of RSP, as a potential candidate, party leaders dismissed the speculation.

RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar asserted the party’s commitment to contest and win the Ilam-2 by-elections.

Pariyar urged competition rather than cooperation, emphasizing the tragic incident that led to the by-elections.

In the 2079 BS elections, RSP secured 1,363 votes in the constituency.

Jhalanath Khanal’s Candidacy in Ilam-2

The potential candidacy of Jhalanath Khanal in the upcoming Ilam-2 by-elections adds a layer of complexity to the already intricate political landscape.

Khanal, a respected leader of the Unified Samajwadi Party, has garnered attention as the party considers suggesting his name in the Ilam-2 constituency.

Despite losing to the late Nemwang in the previous election, Khadka received the party’s ticket, indicating the Congress’s determination to contest the Ilam 2 by-elections.

The recent alliance between CPN-UML and Unified Socialist has sparked discussions about UML’s potential support for Khanal’s candidacy.

Despite this, UML Vice Chairman Ishwor Pokhel stated that there has been no discussion or decision on this.

While UML has not officially spoken on the issue, speculation arises among UML leaders about possible developments between Oli and Khanal.

Sources close to Khanal suggest that he is seeking support from UML, Maoists, and other parties.

Sources claim that Khanal met with Prime Minister Dahal, expressing his willingness to become the common candidate of the ruling alliance.

The Maoists, meanwhile, have not announced any candidate nomination, according to Maoist General Secretary Dev Gurung.

The opposition, Nepali Congress (NC), in contrast, has chosen NC Ilam President Dambar Bahadur Khadka as its candidate.

Despite losing to the late Nemwang in the previous election, Khadka received the party’s ticket, indicating the Congress’s determination to contest the Ilam 2 by-elections.

It’s worth noting that Khadka is not a voter in Ilam Constituency-2.