Rishi Dhamala Enters Aam Janata Politics Rautahat
20th January 2026, Kathmandu
In a notable development ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Nepal, senior journalist Rishi Dhamala has officially announced his entry into electoral politics. On January 20, 2026, Dhamala registered his nomination to contest the House of Representatives election from Rautahat–4. He is running under the banner of the Aam Janata Party, a political outfit led by former minister Prabhu Sah.
Rishi Dhamala Aam Janata
The announcement was made public through social media by the wife of Dhamala, Eliza Gautam, who currently serves as the Vice President of the Aam Janata Party. Gautam highlighted that the transition of Dhamala from journalism to politics was a difficult but principled decision, reflecting his decades long dedication to public service and social responsibility. This move marks one of the most high profile professional shifts in the 2082 election cycle.
From Journalism to Active Politics
Rishi Dhamala is widely recognized for his influential work in the media of Nepal over the past three decades. As the founder and chairman of the Reporter’s Club Nepal, he has provided a platform for thousands of political debates and press interactions. He is also a prominent face on Prime Times Television, where his program “Janata Janna Chahanchhan” (The People Want to Know) has become a staple of Nepali broadcast journalism.
As part of his candidacy, Dhamala will utilize the mobile phone election symbol of the Aam Janata Party. This symbol is a recognizable icon for voters in the Madhesh Province and a strategic choice to resonate with the grassroots supporters of the party in Rautahat–4. His campaign emphasizes transparency, accountability, and leveraging his national public profile to address the specific socio-economic concerns of his constituents.
Electoral Significance in Rautahat–4
Rautahat–4 has historically been a competitive constituency, often serving as a battleground for major parties like the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML. In the 2022 general election, the seat was won by Dev Prasad Timilsina of the Nepali Congress, who secured 34,161 votes. The entry of Dhamala introduces a new dynamic, combining his national recognition with the growing regional organizational structure of Prabhu Sah.
Political analysts suggest that the reputation of Dhamala for direct public engagement could influence voter preferences, particularly among younger residents seeking reform oriented leadership. Rautahat–4, which includes areas like Chandrapur and Brindaban, has a diverse electorate that has shown an increasing appetite for candidates who can bridge the gap between local issues and national policy.
Party Support and Strategic Positioning
The Aam Janata Party is positioning itself as a reformist alternative to the established political “syndicates” in Nepal. By including a household name like Rishi Dhamala in its candidate roster, the party aims to strengthen its appeal beyond its traditional base. The endorsement from Eliza Gautam further reinforces the credibility of Dhamala within the party hierarchy, highlighting the active political involvement of the family.
Observers note that the campaign strategy of Dhamala will likely focus on several key areas:
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Infrastructure Development: Improving road connectivity and irrigation in the Rautahat district.
Education and Health: Promoting better public services and modern school facilities.
Media Freedom: Advocating for the rights of journalists and freedom of expression at the legislative level.
Agriculture Reform: Supporting local farmers who form the backbone of the economy of the Rautahat region.
Implications for the 2082 Elections
The candidacy of Rishi Dhamala illustrates a broader trend in the evolving democratic landscape of Nepal: the increasing entry of professionals, journalists, and civil society figures into electoral politics. This shift is seen as a way to diversify candidate profiles and introduce specific policy expertise into the legislative process.
The race in Rautahat–4 is expected to be one of the most closely watched in the country. It serves as a symbolic test of whether a media personality can effectively transition into a successful legislator. With the election scheduled for March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082), the coming weeks of campaigning will be crucial for Dhamala to translate his “on screen” popularity into “at the booth” votes.
Conclusion
With his candidacy officially registered, Rishi Dhamala prepares for a high stakes contest in Rautahat–4. Backed by the Aam Janata Party and his own public credibility, he stands as a prominent contender in a competitive electoral landscape. As Nepal approaches the general election, the campaign of Dhamala highlights the potential for professional expertise to shape political discourse and voter engagement in the 21st century.
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