Rastriya Swatantra Party joint general secretary Bipin Acharya has withdrawn his name from the party’s closed proportional representation list and announced that he will contest the election under the first-past-the-post system.

Acharya, who was placed first on the party’s proportional list under the Khas Arya category, announced on Sunday through a social media post, saying meaningful political reform requires leaders to step out from behind the scenes and face voters directly.

“Whether it is about correcting the party’s internal disorder or addressing the broader problems of politics and the country, one cannot fight forever from behind the curtain. At some point, you have to step forward and become a face the country can trust,” he wrote, adding that those who remain on the back foot are often taken for granted.

He said he had decided to give up his top position on the proportional list to move ahead with a direct electoral contest and appealed to supporters for cooperation and encouragement in his new political journey.

Acharya, who has played a key role in the party’s organisational building and internal strategy, has not yet disclosed the constituency from which he will contest.

Acharya joins the list of RSP leaders who have withdrawn their names from the proportional list. Others include Aranico Pandey, actor Asif Shah, singer Trishala Gurung, entrepreneur Sachin Dhakal, and mountaineer Tashi Sherpa.