KATHMANDU, Jan 10: Social activist Ashika Tamang has expressed dissatisfaction over the criticism she has been facing since announcing her intention to contest the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections scheduled for March 5.
Taking to social media on Saturday, Tamang said Nepali society remains unwilling to accept women in leadership roles and instead seeks to restrain them.
Calling out the deeply rooted patriarchal mindset in Nepali society and politics, she argued that women are still viewed merely as supporters of male leaders rather than as independent leaders—regardless of their sacrifices and struggles.
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“This society wants women to remain confined around men, carrying ritual lamps,” she wrote.
Highlighting male dominance within political parties, Tamang questioned the double standards applied to women. “Party chairpersons are men, vice-chairpersons are men, central committee members are men, office-bearers are men—yet when a woman says she will take the nation’s issues to Parliament, why is there an attempt to restrain her?” she wrote.
This comes a day after Tamang announced that she would contest the election as an independent candidate from either Kathmandu Constituency 2 or 9. Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Balendra Shah (Balen), is also reportedly contesting from the same constituency under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Following speculation about Balen’s candidacy, some of his supporters on social media began criticizing Tamang, accusing her of attempting to split votes. Her remarks are understood to be a response to this backlash.
Earlier, Tamang said her decision to run as an independent came after deep reflection and extensive discussions, particularly with Gen Z. “Respecting the voices, issues, and desire for change raised by Gen Z, I felt those aspirations must be strongly represented from the streets to Parliament,” she said.
Tamang maintains that her candidacy is not driven by personal ambition but by a commitment to accountable politics, transparency, and the fight against corruption.
