UML replaces candidate, Gagan Thapa faces tough fight in Sarlahi-4 - english.makalukhabar.com

KATHMANDU: In a dramatic last-minute move, the CPN (UML) has replaced its previously announced candidate in Sarlahi-4, intensifying the competition against Nepali Congress president Gagan Kumar Thapa. Until Tuesday afternoon, UML had planned to field veteran party worker Ravishankar Kushwaha, who had even arrived at the Election Commission office to file his nomination. However, in a sudden decision, UML Chair KP Sharma Oli withdrew Kushwaha’s candidacy and officially endorsed Amanish Kumar Yadav instead. Amanish Yadav is the son of influential political figure Shivpujan Rai. Sources indicate that Shivpujan Rai had lobbied extensively for his son’s candidacy, initially approaching CPN (Maoist Centre) coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. After Prachanda refused, Shivpujan announced his departure from the party on Monday and joined UML on Tuesday, securing his son’s nomination. The switch is expected to make the race in Sarlahi-4 highly competitive. Alongside Amanish Yadav, other strong contenders are in the fray: Ragnish Rai Yadav from the CPN and Dr. Amresh Kumar Singh from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).