Mar 13, Kathmandu - Popular singer and political hopeful Prakash Saput’s chances of becoming a proportional representation (PR) MP from the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) appear increasingly unlikely due to intricate party candidate allocations and constitutional mandates.

RSP, which can select only a limited number of male candidates from its closed list, faces challenges in accommodating Saput’s bid for a parliamentary seat. The party must ensure 33% female representation in the federal parliament, translating to 48 women out of the total 182 seats. With 13 women already elected directly, the remaining 35 seats must be filled through proportional representation.

Since RSP secured 57 seats in the PR category, it needs to appoint 48 women, leaving only nine seats for male candidates. This tight quota diminishes Saput’s prospects, sources indicate.

Saput, who lacks a political background, was placed in the party’s list from the Dalit-Janjati cluster, ranked second among Dalit candidates. The party is required to field eight Dalit candidates in PR, but only the top-ranked male candidate, Prakash Chandra Pariyar, is likely to be selected.

Within the Khas-Arya cluster, RSP plans to send three candidates—Ramesh Prasai, Sudeep Dhakal, and Pramod Neupane—on the male side. Prasai, known for his fiery speeches and popularity within the party, is almost certain to be chosen. Dhakal, a close associate of Balen Shah, Kathmandu’s mayor, and Neupane, a strategist and confidant of party leader Rabi Lamichhane, are also strong contenders.

In the Indigenous Janajati category, RSP aims to nominate 16 MPs, but only two male candidates are likely to make the cut. Ram Lama, who was placed from Balen’s quota, and Kusbu Sakar Shrestha, a founding member of the party, are the frontrunners.

For the Madhesi cluster, RSP needs to select nine MPs, with only one male candidate—Purusottam Suprabhat Yadav—expected to secure a seat. Yadav, a youth emerging from the Gangi movement, is highly probable.

In the Tharu community, four MPs are to be elected, with only two male candidates. Suresh Chaudhary, who is second on the list, and Prem Lal Chaudhary are the likely selections.

There remains one remaining seat, likely to be allocated to the Muslim cluster. Sayed Bakar Ahmad Shah is the top male candidate, with options for three Muslim women to be chosen, possibly leaving one seat unfilled for Saput. However, sources say the likelihood of Saput securing this seat is low.

Saput announced his departure from his musical career to fully dedicate himself to politics, actively campaigning for RSP despite criticisms of abandoning his popular music career. However, recent social media posts suggest his parliamentary ambitions may be slipping away. He shared plans for a musical performance in Ireland this coming Ashadha, indicating he might be stepping back from politics.

Earlier, Saput had stated that 2023 would be his final year in music, emphasizing a commitment to his art and fans, and expressing gratitude for their support. His recent social media activity suggests he might be returning to his musical roots after his political efforts.