Kathmandu — Janamat Party Chairman CK Raut has announced that he will no longer contest parliamentary elections, saying he intends to step away from electoral politics despite remaining active in political work.
Raut made the announcement during an interview with Prime Time Television, stating that he had contested parliamentary elections twice against his personal preference and now plans not to run again.
Raut was a candidate for the House of Representatives from Saptari-2 in the recent election. He lost the seat to Ramji Yadav of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. The election also marked a setback for the Janamat Party, which previously achieved national party status but failed to cross the electoral threshold this time.
Contested Elections Despite Personal Reluctance
Raut said he had originally planned not to contest the previous general election and instead intended to support the party as its founding chair. However, party leaders urged him to run, arguing that the party could struggle electorally if he did not participate.
“I contested parliamentary elections twice against my personal wish. I won once and lost once, but I am satisfied with the decision to participate in both elections,” Raut said. He added that his earlier candidacy had helped the party secure representation in parliament and achieve national party status.
Party Formation Background
Raut said the Independent Madhes Alliance decided to form a political party in 2018 after its activities were restricted and it was unable to reach the public effectively.
According to him, he initially tried to persuade other leaders, including Narendra Prasad Chaudhary, to take the role of party chair. When those efforts failed, he eventually assumed the position himself.
Will Remain Active in Politics
Raut said stepping away from parliamentary elections does not mean he is leaving politics. He said he will remain active in political activities, continue promoting the party’s agenda, and help prepare the Janamat Party for upcoming local and provincial elections.
“I will always remain among the people and continue to stand with them in every struggle for rights and identity,” Raut said.
