Kathmandu District No. 1: "Gen Z Factor" Enters the Traditional Stronghold

KATHMANDU – A new political character is emerging in Kathmandu Constituency No. 1, a region traditionally known for the competitive rivalry between the UML and the Congress. 

The "Gen Z Factor" has officially entered the fray following the recommendation of Luitel, a leader of the Gen Z movement, by the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) as a candidate for the House of Representatives.

Luitel's recommendation is being viewed more as a message of generational politics rather than a mere party decision. Political analysts suggest that the Gen Z movement—previously limited to the streets, campuses, and social media—is now attempting a direct entry into Parliament, challenging traditional electoral discourse.

Luitel, who became active in social campaigns by operating food banks in squatter settlements during the COVID-19 pandemic, has been presenting himself as a "representative emerged from the movement."

Having completed his Master’s degree from Baneshwor Multipurpose Campus, he is preparing for the election with an agenda to bring the youth generation into the center of policy-making. 

Claiming that the dreams of the youth martyred during the Gen Z movement will not remain unfulfilled, he explains this election not merely as a competition of win or loss, but as a battle for generational transfer.

Following the announcement of his recommendation, both support and questions have surfaced on social media. Supporters view this as an opportunity to bring the voice of the youth into formal politics, while critics have raised questions about whether the enthusiasm of the movement will successfully translate into votes.

Luitel, who is also a journalist, is currently working at the Himalaya Times Nepali National Daily. This has made his candidacy significant not only from a political perspective but also in terms of media influence.

Since the NCP has also recommended Biraj Thapa, Rewati Prasad Dahal, and Menaka Bhandari from this same constituency, the final decision is expected to clarify the party’s priority and strategy.