Asim Man Singh Basnyat’s Candidacy: Bridging the Gap Between Youth and Policy

11th January 2026, Kathmandu

In a move that signals a growing trend of entrepreneurs entering the political arena, Asim Man Singh Basnyat, the Managing Director and Co-founder of Pathao Nepal, has officially announced his candidacy for the House of Representatives from Kathmandu Constituency No. 1.

Asim Man Singh Basnyat’s Candidacy

The announcement, made via social media on Sunday, sets the stage for a high-profile battle in one of Nepal’s most influential constituencies for the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 21 (Phagun 21, 2082).

From Ride-Sharing Pioneer to Political Aspirant

Asim Man Singh Basnyat is a household name in Nepal’s tech and business sector. Under his leadership, Pathao evolved from a startup into a dominant ride-hailing and delivery platform, revolutionizing urban mobility for millions of Nepalese citizens.

Basnyat stated that his transition from business to politics was driven by the systemic hurdles he faced as an entrepreneur. “This was not an easy decision,” Basnyat shared. “But while building something in Nepal, I realized that unless the business environment is made seamless through policy reform, even the most capable youth will face an uncertain future.“

The Three Pillars of Basnyat’s Election Agenda

Stepping away from traditional political rhetoric, Basnyat has centered his campaign on three specific, action-oriented goals:

1. Policy Support for Entrepreneurship and Startups

Basnyat aims to introduce legislative frameworks that support the “Gig Economy” and tech startups. His goal is to create an ecosystem where young Nepalese entrepreneurs can turn their ideas into reality without being bogged down by outdated bureaucracy.

2. Accountability and Good Governance

A major plank of his platform is the demand for transparency. He believes that those in decision-making roles must be held responsible for the outcomes of their policies. “The ones who work must answer, and the ones who decide must take responsibility,” he emphasized.

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3. Bridging the Generational Gap

Basnyat intends to serve as a bridge between the “experienced” political generation and the “innovative” new generation. He advocates for a culture of mentorship and collaboration to solve national issues through modern lenses.

Why Kathmandu-1 Matters

Kathmandu-1 is traditionally a “VIP” constituency, often hosting heavyweights from major parties like the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML. By entering this race, Basnyat is challenging the political establishment with a “delivery-oriented” corporate mindset.

His slogan, “Change Kathmandu-1, Change Nepal,” reflects his belief that localized success in a key urban center can serve as a blueprint for national progress.

A Call for Collective Action

Acknowledging that the road to Parliament is difficult for independent and alternative voices, Basnyat has called for support from the general public. “This journey is not possible alone. I seek the suggestions, critiques, and active participation of every citizen who believes that ‘possibility exists within Nepal,‘” he stated.

As the election date of February 21 approaches, all eyes will be on Kathmandu-1 to see if the man who changed how Nepal travels can now change how Nepal is governed.

Quick Facts: Asim Man Singh Basnyat’s Candidacy

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