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Nepal Ministers Resign to Contest March Elections, Shake Up Interim Government

Two ministers in Nepal's Prime Minister Sushila Karki-led interim government have resigned to contest the upcoming March 5 parliamentary elections. Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta and Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel submitted their resignations, with both set to run on tickets from the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The Election Commission has set January 20 as the date for candidates to submit their nominations under the first-past-the-post system. This move comes as the EC also released the closed proportional representation lists from dozens of political parties.

Key Points: Nepal Ministers Resign to Contest March 5 Election

  • Two ministers resign from interim cabinet
  • Both to contest March 5 election for Rastriya Swatantra Party
  • Nomination filing begins January 20
  • Election Commission releases PR candidate lists
2 min read

Two ministers in Nepal interim government resign to contest March election

Two ministers in Nepal's interim government resign to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, highlighting political shifts ahead of the polls.

"He stepped down to participate actively in party politics and to preserve the independent identity of the current non-political civil government. - Jagdish Kharel"

Kathmandu, January 19

Two ministers in Nepal's interim government--Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta and Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel--resigned from their posts to contest the upcoming March 5 election, a day before the formal filing of candidatures for the polls.

Gupta, the youngest minister in the Prime Minister Sushila Karki-led interim government, tendered his resignation from Janakpur, while Kharel submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister on Monday evening, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Minister Gupta, currently campaigning in Janakpur for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), will contest the elections on the party's ticket. He was appointed minister on October 26, 2025.

Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel, a former active member of the Nepali Congress, resigned after being nominated by the RSP to contest the House of Representatives election from Lalitpur-2.

In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Karki, Kharel stated that he stepped down to participate actively in party politics and to preserve the independent identity of the current non-political civil government.

He added that engaging in party politics is the appropriate way to meet public expectations and contribute to strengthening democracy in the long term.

The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal has scheduled January 20 as the date for candidates to submit nominations under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. According to the EC, candidates must submit photocopies of their citizenship certificate and voter identity card, along with proof of inclusion in the voters' list at any local level. Those holding paid positions in state-owned bodies are required to provide evidence of resignation.

Candidates must also submit nomination forms with a proposer and seconder. Party candidates are required to present an official nomination letter from their party's authorised body. Property and personal details must also be filed in accordance with prevailing election laws, regulations, directives, and the Election Code of Conduct-2082.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, the EC released the closed proportional representation list of 3,213 candidates submitted by 63 political parties, with 57 election symbols. Objections to candidates' eligibility can be filed from January 19 to 24, as per the House of Representatives Proportional Election Directive, 2082.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good move by the ministers to resign. It maintains the integrity of the interim government. In our own elections, we've seen controversies when people in power don't follow such rules. Wishing Nepal a smooth electoral process! 🇳🇵
V
Vikram M
The Rastriya Swatantra Party seems to be making strategic moves, poaching a former Nepali Congress member. Nepal's political landscape is always so dynamic, much like some of our own state politics. Stability is key for development in the region.
S
Sarah B
Respectfully, while the procedure is correct, one has to question if a few months as a minister gives enough experience to effectively serve as an elected representative? It feels a bit like using the interim post as a stepping stone. The focus should be on public service, not political careers.
R
Rohit P
The election commission's rules seem quite detailed with all the documentation required. Transparency is good, but hope it doesn't become so bureaucratic that good candidates are discouraged. All the best to our Nepali brothers and sisters for the polls!
K
Kavya N
A stable and democratic Nepal is in India's interest too. Our ties are deep-rooted. Hope the new government that comes in March continues to work on strengthening the relationship. More power to democracy! 🙏

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