KATHMANDU: Former National Planning Commission member and central committee member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Dr Arnico Panday, has announced the withdrawal of his name from the party’s proportional representation closed list.
Dr Panday made the announcement through social media on Monday, stating that he has withdrawn his name from the closed list submitted by RSP to the Election Commission.
In his statement, Panday said that given recent political developments and the expansion of the party’s proportional list, he no longer saw justification in remaining on the list. He added that he had informed fellow party leaders of his decision during the central committee meeting held on Sunday night.
“I would like to once again thank all friends who placed me on the closed list. From now on, I will focus on helping RSP win the upcoming election,” he wrote.
Panday also said he would continue to seek and choose paths through which he could make the greatest contribution to the country and society.
With Pandey’s withdrawal, the number of RSP leaders who have pulled out from the proportional closed list has reached six. Earlier, actor Asif Shah, Sachin Dhakal—son of businessman Chandra Dhakal—singer Trishala Gurung, activist Dr Mahendra Lawoti, and mountaineer Tashi Sherpa had also announced their withdrawals.
The Election Commission has given time from Monday through January 11 to correct errors in submitted candidacies.
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