KATHMANDU: Asif Shah, whose name was included in the proportional representation (PR) closed list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has announced his decision to withdraw from the list.
Making the announcement through a Facebook post on Friday, Shah said meaningful contributions to nation-building can be made from any position or status, but he could not choose a path that might hurt the sentiments of the public and party colleagues.
“I am always ready to contribute to nation-building, regardless of the position I hold. However, I cannot choose to become a Member of Parliament through the proportional list at the cost of hurting the feelings of the people and my party friends. Through this message, I declare that I am withdrawing my proportional candidacy,” Shah wrote.
Following the withdrawal, Shah also announced his intention to contest the election directly from Kathmandu constituency No. 5.
“If one is to contest, it should be through direct elections. We are fully prepared to contest directly from Kathmandu-5. Nothing is greater than the nation,” he stated.
Shah further urged other candidates listed under the proportional system to voluntarily withdraw their names, saying that stepping back by “two steps” would better reflect the sentiments of the public and party members.
His announcement comes amid ongoing debates within political parties regarding representation, public mandate, and electoral legitimacy ahead of the upcoming elections.
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