Business Leaders Crowd the Electoral Field as Entrepreneurs Seek a Direct Role in Policy Making

Kathmandu — Nepal’s upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 has drawn an unusually large number of candidates from the business community, signaling a growing effort by entrepreneurs to enter mainstream politics. From stock market investors and cooperative operators to large industrialists, more than two dozen business figures have registered their candidacies in the direct electoral race this time.

Among the high-profile entrants is Binod Chaudhary, Nepal’s first billionaire, who has filed his candidacy from Nawalparasi West–1 representing Nepali Congress. This marks Chaudhary’s second attempt at electoral politics. His candidacy has drawn particular attention as it reflects the increasing willingness of big business figures to seek legislative authority.

Why Business Is Turning to Politics

Business leaders entering the political arena argue that meaningful reform is not possible without representation at the policy-making level. They say issues such as industry-friendly laws, tax reform, investment protection, and regulatory stability can only be addressed effectively from within Parliament. According to them, advocacy from outside government has proven insufficient to resolve long-standing private-sector concerns.

First-Time and Independent Contenders

Chunnaprasad Sharma Paudel, chairman of Yashoda Foods—the producer of Current noodles—has entered the race from Rupandehi–2 under the Nepali Congress banner. This is his first electoral contest.

Similarly, Asimman Singh Basnyat, managing director of ride-hailing company Pathao Nepal, has filed an independent candidacy from Kathmandu–1, having earlier announced his intention to contest without party affiliation.

From Parsa–4, industrialist Anil Kumar Rungta is contesting on a Nepali Congress ticket, while Tilak Ranabhat, operator of Nur Overseas Manpower, has entered the race from Kaski–1, also representing the same party.

Banking, Healthcare, and Media Entrepreneurs Join In

Former chief executive officer and former board chair of Muktinath Development Bank, Bharat Raj Dhakal, has filed his candidacy from Syangja–1 under the Nepali Congress banner, bringing banking-sector experience into the electoral mix.

Medical entrepreneur Sunil Kumar Sharma, operator of Kathmandu Medical College and Nobel Medical College, is contesting from Morang–3 as a Nepali Congress candidate. Sharma, who won from the same constituency in the previous election, has also expanded investments into hydropower projects.

Media entrepreneur Rishi Raj Dhamala has entered the race from Rautahat–1, representing the Aam Janata Party.

Business Backgrounds Across Party Lines

Vice-chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, DP Aryal, is contesting from Kathmandu–9. Aryal has investments spanning agriculture, travel services, cooperatives, brick manufacturing, remittance services, education consultancy, security services, trekking, and hospitality. He was elected as a proportional representation lawmaker in the previous election.

Young stock market investor Hari Dhakal has filed his candidacy for a second time from Chitwan–1 under the Rastriya Swatantra Party banner, having won the seat in the last election.

Other candidates with business backgrounds include Mohan Acharya (Nepali Congress, Rasuwa), Ramesh Prasad Dhamala (Nepali Congress, Dhading–2), Birendra Prasad Kanaudia (CPN-UML, Kapilvastu–3), and LP Sawa Limbu (Jhapa–4), all of whom are linked to various enterprises and commercial ventures.

Interpretation: A Shift in Political Participation

The surge of business leaders in this election reflects a broader shift in Nepal’s political economy. Private-sector actors, frustrated by policy uncertainty and inconsistent implementation, appear increasingly convinced that direct participation in lawmaking is necessary to safeguard economic interests.

Observers say the trend could reshape parliamentary debates, especially on taxation, investment, labor laws, and financial regulation. At the same time, it raises questions about balancing private interests with public accountability. Whether this influx of business-minded candidates will lead to more pragmatic economic policymaking—or intensify debates over conflict of interest—will largely depend on voter verdicts and the conduct of those elected.

What is clear, however, is that the boundary between business and politics in Nepal is narrowing, and the Falgun 21 election is set to test how voters perceive this changing relationship.