Gagan Thapa Faces Stunning Defeat in Parliamentary Elections
Synopsis
In a surprising electoral outcome, Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress lost to Amaresh Kumar Singh of the Rastriya Swatantra Party in Sarlahi-4. This election highlights the shifting dynamics in Nepali politics as established parties face challenges from newer entities.
Key Takeaways
Gagan Thapa lost to Amaresh Kumar Singh in recent elections.
The vote count was 22,831 for Thapa and 35,688 for Singh.
This defeat highlights challenges for traditional parties in Nepali politics.
Amaresh Kumar Singh has a notable political history and academic credentials.
The election results reflect a shift in voter preferences.
Kathmandu, March 8 (NationPress) In a surprising turn of events, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa faced a significant loss to Amaresh Kumar Singh from the victorious Rastriya Swatantra Party during this year's parliamentary elections.
Thapa, who was the party's candidate for the prime ministerial position, garnered 22,831 votes in Sarlahi-4, while Singh secured 35,688 votes, marking another defeat for notable political figures.
Recently appointed as president in January through a contentious Special General Convention, Thapa was anticipated to not only win but also to steer the party towards improved electoral outcomes.
However, established political entities like the Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (UML), and the Nepali Communist Party are experiencing a setback against a relatively new political force that has already won over a hundred seats out of 165 under the First-Past-the-Post system, maintaining a lead in several constituencies.
Thapa chose to contest from Sarlahi-4, a traditional bastion of the grand old party, after stepping down from his long-held seat in Kathmandu-4, but was ultimately defeated by a former member of his own party.
Amaresh Kumar Singh has a rich political history, having served in the Nepali Congress after being appointed to the reinstated House of Representatives in 2006 by then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala following the People's Movement that concluded King Gyanendra Shah's reign.
He won the Constituent Assembly elections in 2013 from Sarlahi-6 and contributed to the constitution-making process. Singh contested the 2017 parliamentary elections from Sarlahi-4 representing the Nepali Congress and emerged victorious.
In 2022, he was elected to the lower house as an independent candidate after the Nepali Congress denied him a ticket. Just before the upcoming 2026 elections, Singh joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party and triumphed in Sarlahi-4, defeating his former leader Thapa.
Singh holds a PhD in international relations from Jawaharlal Nehru University.
Point of View
Showcasing the challenges faced by traditional political parties as they contend with emerging forces. The defeat of a heavyweight leader like Gagan Thapa highlights the shifting allegiances and voter sentiments within the electorate.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of the recent parliamentary elections?
Gagan Thapa of the Nepali Congress lost to Amaresh Kumar Singh of the Rastriya Swatantra Party in the Sarlahi-4 constituency.
What were the vote counts in the election?
Gagan Thapa received 22,831 votes, while Amaresh Kumar Singh secured 35,688 votes.
Who is Amaresh Kumar Singh?
Amaresh Kumar Singh is a former member of the Nepali Congress who won the election after joining the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
What does this defeat mean for the Nepali Congress?
This defeat indicates a significant challenge for the Nepali Congress as it struggles to retain influence against newer political forces.
What is the political background of Amaresh Kumar Singh?
Amaresh Kumar Singh has served in various capacities in the Nepali Congress and holds a PhD in international relations.
