Nepal's billionaire Binod Chaudhary falls to rising politico wave in historic election upset
Nepal's only billionaire, Binod Chaudhary, has lost his parliamentary bid in Nawalparasi West-1. His defeat came at the hands of Bikram Khanal, a candidate from the newly dominant politico party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The result mirrors a broader shift in the country's political landscape.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party, founded just three years ago, secured a landslide victory in the March 5 elections. Led by former rapper Balen Shah, the RSP won around 124 of the 165 directly elected seats. This surge follows youth-led protests in late 2025 that ousted the previous government, with the RSP positioning itself as an anti-corruption force for urban youth.
In Nawalparasi West-1, Bikram Khanal claimed victory with 45,241 votes, while Chaudhary, a Nepali Congress candidate, managed only 9,502. The outcome reflects a wider trend: politico candidates, many with business backgrounds, are defeating long-established politicians. Traditional parties like Nepali Congress, once dominant, now hold just 15 seats and lead in two more.
The RSP's rise has upended Nepal's political order. Decades-old parties, including the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) and the Nepal Communist Party, have seen their influence collapse. Voters appear to be turning away from familiar names in favor of newer, reform-focused alternatives.
The election results mark a sharp break from Nepal's political past. The RSP's dominance suggests a generational and ideological shift, with anti-corruption and youth representation at its core. Traditional parties now face the challenge of regaining relevance in a rapidly changing political climate.
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