Asif Shah Withdraws from PR List, Announces Direct Contest from Kathmandu-5

Asif Shah, whose name was included in the proportional representation (PR) closed list of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has decided to withdraw from the list.

Announcing the decision through a Facebook post on Friday, Shah said that one can contribute to nation-building from any position. However, he said he could not accept a path that might hurt the feelings of the public and his party colleagues.

“I am always ready to serve the nation, no matter what position I am in. But I cannot become a Member of Parliament through the proportional list if it causes pain to the people and my party friends. Therefore, I am officially withdrawing my name from the proportional list,” Shah wrote.

After withdrawing, Shah also announced that he will contest the election directly from Kathmandu constituency No. 5.

He said that elections should be fought through direct votes. “We are fully prepared to contest from Kathmandu-5. Nothing is greater than the nation,” he stated.

Shah also appealed to other candidates listed under the proportional system to voluntarily withdraw their names, saying that taking a step back would better respect the feelings of the people and party members.