Ranju Darshana Neupane Wins Kathmandu-1: A Historic Victory for RSP in 2026 Elections
6th March 2026, Kathmandu
In a landmark result for the 2026 Nepalese General Election, youth leader Ranju Darshana Neupane has been officially elected as the Member of Parliament (MP) for Kathmandu Constituency No. 1.
Ranju Darshana Wins Kathmandu-1
Representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Neupane secured a landslide victory, signaling a massive shift in the capital’s political landscape.
Landslide Victory: The Numbers
According to Election Officer Churaman Khadka, the competition in Kathmandu-1 was intense, with 29 candidates vying for the seat. However, the final count revealed a dominant performance by the RSP candidate.
Total Votes Cast: 29,774
Ranju Darshana Neupane (RSP): 15,455 votes (Winner)
Prabal Thapa (Nepali Congress): 6,364 votes
Rabindra Mishra (RPP): 3,972 votes
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Neupane won with a commanding majority, receiving more than double the votes of her nearest rival, Prabal Thapa of the Nepali Congress.
The Fall of Traditional Strongholds
This election marks a significant turning point for Kathmandu-1, a constituency previously held by veteran leaders.
Nepali Congress: Despite nominating young leader Prabal Thapa to replace veteran Prakash Man Singh, the party failed to retain its hold.
Rabindra Mishra’s Third Defeat: This election marks the third consecutive loss for RPP’s Rabindra Mishra in this constituency, as he struggled to maintain his previous vote share against the “Ghanti” (Bell) wave of the RSP.
Who is Ranju Darshana Neupane?
Ranju Darshana Neupane is no stranger to Nepalese politics. She first gained national fame at age 21 during the 2017 local elections when she ran for Mayor of Kathmandu. Her transition from a youth activist to a Member of Parliament represents a growing desire among voters for fresh leadership and “New Wave” politics.
Why This Matters for Nepal’s Future
The victory in Kathmandu-1 is part of a broader trend in the 2026 elections, where the Rastriya Swatantra Party has shown significant strength across the Bagmati Province.
With a platform built on transparency and anti-corruption, Neupane’s entry into the House of Representatives is expected to bring a vocal, youth-centric perspective to the federal legislature.
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