Kathmandu – Rupandehi-3 has emerged as a political hotspot ahead of the upcoming election, announced after the demise of MP Deepak Bohora. All major parties see the vote as a key test of strength and prestige.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has drawn attention by holding a “primary election” to select its candidate — the first of its kind in Nepal. Nine aspirants, including Sulav Kharel, Dr. Lekh Jung Thapa, Gyanu Paudel, and others, are in the race. The party has even offered a “No Vote” option under its system. 40% of votes come from local members, 5% from local leaders, and 55% from central leaders, with half of that weightage held by the secretariat.

Other parties are also moving. The Nagarik Unmukti Party patron Resham Chaudhary is preparing to field Dr. Umashankar Chaudhary as an independent candidate. UML is likely to nominate Khimlal Bhattarai, while the Nepali Congress is considering Bal Krishna Khand, depending on his court case outcome. Maoist Centre and Unified Socialist remain undecided, though some sources suggest the Socialist Alliance may back Ghanashyam Bhusal.

Within the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), six contenders, including Bohora’s family members, are seeking candidacy, with the party likely to nominate one from his family.