KATHMANDU: Nepali Communist Party (NCP) leader Bamdev Gautam has announced that he will not contest the upcoming elections from Bardiya-1, returning the party ticket handed to him by NCP coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
Gautam cited concerns over ethnic balance in the region, which has a significant Tharu population. He criticized the party for nominating leaders of hill-origin communities in both Bardiya constituencies, saying such decisions ignore the local demographic realities.
“In Bardiya, success in any initiative requires harmony between Tharu and non-Tharu communities. The party’s decision to field hill-origin candidates in both constituencies, while disregarding the post-Gen-Z movement situation, is not appropriate,” Gautam said. “Therefore, I have decided not to contest from Bardiya-1 and have returned the candidate letter you provided.”
Despite returning the ticket, Gautam affirmed that he will remain actively involved in all NCP responsibilities.
Earlier on Sunday, three National Assembly members, including Gautam, resigned to contest the House of Representatives elections. Gautam and fellow NCP leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha resigned from the National Assembly after receiving parliamentary tickets.
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