Tulasi Kumar Bhusal, father of independent Rupandehi-2 candidate Dr Nicholas Bhusal, has said his son is “not just my son, but the son of the nation,” citing his activism against what he described as corruption, misgovernance, and disorder. Speaking in a short interview, Bhusal stated that his son undertook an 11-day hunger strike in support of Gen Z demands and in opposition to what he termed the old political order.
Bhusal said the upcoming election remains uncertain in direction and outcome, describing it as “unstable” and difficult to predict until votes are cast. He noted that some groups are calling for elections to proceed, while others question whether they should be held, creating what he described as an atmosphere of doubt.
When asked whether voters should choose new or old candidates, Bhusal said support should go to new leadership aligned with the Gen Z movement’s demands. He listed key proposals including a directly elected executive prime minister, voting rights for Nepalis abroad, free access to education and healthcare, and policy reforms to address youth migration, agricultural challenges, and economic stagnation.
Bhusal criticized what he described as long-standing failures to resolve land ownership issues for landless and unmanaged settlers in areas such as Saina Maina and Butwal. He alleged that political parties have repeatedly promised land certificates but failed to deliver for decades, using such communities as vote banks.
On economic issues, he referred to problems facing farmers, irrigation shortages, lack of market access, and alleged syndicate practices in trade. He also claimed that industries are struggling due to taxation and competition pressures, while youth migration has affected local businesses and rental markets.
Responding to criticism targeting Dr Nicholas Bhusal, including allegations related to cannabis use, Tulasi Kumar Bhusal rejected such claims. He said his son is an MD psychiatrist who has helped individuals overcome addiction and argued that allegations were politically motivated attempts to discredit him. He acknowledged that at times his son may have spoken strongly in emotional contexts but denied any malicious intent.
Bhusal further stated that his son chose to contest independently rather than join the Rastriya Swatantra Party after differences over agenda priorities. He said Dr Nicholas Bhusal intends to raise reform issues in Parliament and build an alternative political force through the “Gen Z shoe” election symbol.
Concluding, Bhusal expressed hope that if elections are completed and a stable five-year government is formed, the country could see change. He said voters should prioritize agenda clarity and long-term reform over established power structures.