KATHMANDU: Social activist Ashika Tamang, who was fielded by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for the House of Representatives election from Dhading constituency No. 1, has withdrawn her candidacy after becoming embroiled in a controversy over her German permanent residency (PR) status.
Tamang came under scrutiny soon after RSP, led by Rabi Lamichhane, awarded her the ticket. Her nomination had earlier triggered internal disputes at the party’s Ghantaghar office, and the PR issue has now forced her to step aside, causing fresh turbulence within the party.
The decision has also put RSP Vice-Chair Dol Prasad Aryal, who had strongly backed Tamang’s candidacy, under criticism.
According to election officials, Tamang formally withdrew her candidacy within the deadline set by the Election Commission, between 10 am and 1 pm on Friday, by submitting the required form under Schedule-22 of the House of Representatives Election Act via email.
Ekraj Adhikari, the Election Officer for Dhading-1, confirmed that Tamang’s withdrawal request was received through email and that she had also contacted the office by phone. He added that Tamang is preparing to appear in person at the Election Officer’s office in Galchhi to complete the process.
In her email, Tamang stated that she was voluntarily withdrawing her nomination in accordance with Clause 25 (1) of the House of Representatives Election Act, 2017.
Tamang herself has not made any public statement regarding the controversy so far. However, it has been confirmed that she holds a German permanent residence permit, which led to questions over her eligibility.
Sources say Tamang sent the withdrawal email hurriedly after being summoned by the German Embassy in Kathmandu for discussions related to her PR status. She submitted the withdrawal request before entering the embassy premises.
Tamang is a resident of Malekhu, Gajuri Rural Municipality, Dhading. She had secured the RSP ticket amid controversy involving comedian Himesh Pant, whom she reportedly sidelined during the nomination process.
According to available records, Tamang obtained her Nepali citizenship from the District Administration Office, Dhading, and travelled to Germany in June 2014 on a Nepali passport. She later married a German national, and has a 10-year-old son and a five-year-old daughter.
She acquired German permanent residency on November 7, 2017, and renewed her PR card during a visit to Germany recently. Her current PR card is valid until June 8, 2033.
Under Article 291 of the Constitution of Nepal, as well as directives from the Election Commission and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Nepali citizens holding permanent residence permits of foreign countries are ineligible to contest, be nominated to, or appointed to constitutional and elected positions.
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