Mahabir Pun Files Independent Candidacy from Myagdi
20th January 2026, Kathmandu
In a significant political move ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Nepal, former Education Minister Mahabir Pun has officially registered his independent candidacy from the Myagdi district on January 20, 2026. Pun, a world renowned scientist and social entrepreneur celebrated for his contributions to rural wireless connectivity and innovation, submitted his nomination papers directly at the District Election Office in Beni.
Mahabir Pun Files Independent Candidacy
Prior to announcing his bid for the House of Representatives, Pun resigned from his ministerial post in the interim cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki. This resignation follows a mandatory ethical trend where ministers step down to focus exclusively on their electoral campaigns. His entry as an independent candidate has immediately shifted the political spotlight toward Myagdi, turning a traditional party stronghold into a focal point for reformist politics.
Support from Local Leaders and Major Factions
Following the independent bid of Mahabir Pun, the local political dynamics in Myagdi have undergone a noticeable shift. Milan Purja, the Ward Chairperson of Annapurna Rural Municipality-7—who was originally elected under the CPN-UML banner—has publicly expressed support for Pun. While Purja and other local leaders had initially considered supporting youth candidates from their own parties, the national stature and development track record of Pun have led them to pivot toward his independent movement.
Adding further momentum to the campaign, the Rastriya Swatantra Party has signaled its backing for the independent candidacy of Pun. By not fielding a separate candidate against him, the party is aligning with the “innovation and reform” platform that Pun represents. This cross-party support enhances his prospects in a district historically dominated by the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, making the 2082 race highly competitive.
The Electoral Appeal of a “Scrap Scientist”
Mahabir Pun brings a unique dynamic to the Myagdi constituency. Known nationally as the founder of the National Innovation Centre and a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner, his candidacy resonates with voters who are disillusioned with traditional political rhetoric. During his brief tenure as the Minister for Education, Science, and Technology, he famously referred to himself as the “Kawadi Scientist Minister” (Scrap Scientist Minister), emphasizing his focus on practical results over bureaucratic titles.
His appeal is particularly strong among the youth and development focused voters who prioritize:
Educational reform and technical skill development.
Promotion of indigenous technology and local manufacturing.
Advertisement
Rural infrastructure improvements driven by innovation.
Anti-corruption and transparent governance.
Electoral Context and High Stakes in Myagdi
Myagdi is becoming a high-profile electoral battleground for the March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082) elections. Of the 275 members in the House of Representatives, 165 will be elected through the direct first-past-the-post system, and Myagdi is one of the most contested seats in the Gandaki Province. Pun faces candidates from the major established parties, but his deep roots in the district—having been born in the remote village of Nangi—give him a significant “son of the soil” advantage.
In the previous 2022 general election, the seat was won by Kham Bahadur Garbuja of the Nepali Congress with 24,021 votes. However, the current political climate, influenced by the recent Gen Z protests and a demand for generational change, suggests that an independent figure like Pun could consolidate the progressive vote.
Leadership Transition and Resignation
The resignation of Mahabir Pun from the Ministry of Education was marked by a characteristic display of personal integrity. Before leaving office, Pun donated all the national and international medals he had received throughout his career to the Ministry. He had previously attempted to sell these awards to fund the National Innovation Centre and the Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory, and by donating them to the state, he ensured they remained public property.
This act of selfless service has bolstered his reputation as a candidate who prioritizes national interest over personal gain. His ability to navigate the local political landscape while maintaining his identity as a non-partisan reformer will be the critical factor in the upcoming election.
Conclusion
The official registration of Mahabir Pun as an independent candidate from Myagdi marks a pivotal moment in the 2082 parliamentary election. Supported by a coalition of local leaders and the reformist Rastriya Swatantra Party, Pun is challenging the status quo of party-based politics. As the election on March 5 approaches, Myagdi is poised to witness one of the most closely observed races in the country, potentially serving as a bellwether for the influence of independent, science-driven leadership in the future of Nepal.
For More: Mahabir Pun Files Independent Candidacy
