Kamal Sapkota Backs Dr Nicholas Bhusal, Questions Election Timing in Rupandehi-2

Kamal Sapkota, also known as “Lambu Sarkar,” the chief of Rudra Gan, has said he views the upcoming election process as rushed and argued that going to polls without national consensus is “not the right decision” in his personal view. Speaking in an interview focused on politics and the Rupandehi-2 race, Sapkota linked his concern to the absence of fully formed commissions and raised questions about election-related fairness if candidates later face action that could cancel their candidacy.

Sapkota said he and his group are openly supporting independent candidate Dr Nicholas Bhusal, citing Bhusal’s local work, his role during the Gen Z movement, and his health-sector engagement. He said Bhusal is the only figure who “truly internalized” the Gen Z movement, and added that leadership in Rupandehi-2 should not be claimed solely on the basis of connections in Kathmandu.

Discussing established leadership, Sapkota said he is grateful to former finance minister Bishnu Paudel and does not deny Paudel’s contribution to physical development in Rupandehi, but argued it is time to give new generations a chance. He said, “Rupandehi became Rupandehi due to Bishnu Paudel’s contribution,” while also urging a respectful exit to avoid political decline.

Sapkota also spoke about vote dynamics, claiming Rupandehi-2 has 135,050 voters and estimating his side could bring roughly 20,000 votes, arguing that vote division could make the contest winnable. He downplayed social media metrics, saying, “If we only count Facebook likes and comments, they will win big; but if we count votes inside the ballot box, we are heavier than them.”

On other contenders, Sapkota said he maintains good relations with RSP candidate Sulabh Kharel but questioned Kharel’s leadership capacity, while reiterating his preference for Bhusal. He also criticized what he described as shifting positions on federalism by “ghanti” forces, saying his side opposes federalism based on their own calculations and research rather than crowd sentiment.

Beyond electoral politics, Sapkota described Rudra Gan as a non-profit religious organization focused on protecting temples and preserving traditional practices, including tantric and shamanic traditions, and said his core agenda is that “Nepal should become a Hindu nation.” He added that while the group does not directly engage in party politics, it cannot remain fully outside politics given the nature of its goals.

He also referenced his involvement with the MRR network, describing it as active in social support, including help in accident and medical situations, and said MRR as a team is not mobilized for politics—while also claiming, “If MRR is used, MRR can bring down an election,” due to its strength.