Former Education Minister Mahabir Pun, who resigned from his post and filed his candidacy as an independent candidate from Myagdi, says his decision to enter politics is driven by a desire to shake public thinking rather than seek power.
Speaking to reporters after registering his candidacy in Myagdi, Pun said he wants to push people to reflect more deeply on the country’s political culture. He said his role is to question long-held habits and encourage citizens to think beyond traditional political patterns.
Pun was particularly critical of the current state of youth leadership. He said he had once hoped young leaders would bring cooperation and fresh ideas, but instead sees growing rivalry and self-interest. “Everyone wants to become prime minister, but no one is ready to work together,” he said.
According to Pun, the culture of internal conflict that has long marked established political parties is now also visible among younger political forces. He said this realization has left him disappointed and frustrated.
“Old parties have always been divided, but seeing the same behavior among new youth leaders has made me angry,” Pun said, adding that such divisions weaken the promise of real political change.
Myagdi Electoral Contest and Independent Candidacy
The Myagdi constituency is witnessing a crowded contest. The Nepali Congress has nominated Karna Bahadur (KB) Bhandari, while Hari Krishna Shrestha is contesting from the CPN-UML. Arjun Bahadur Thapa is representing the Nepal Communist Party, and Yubaraj Roka is the candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Pun has entered the race as an independent, positioning himself as a different voice and calling for accountability, cooperation, and a shift away from entrenched political practices.
