Khadak Raj Paudel

Khadak Raj Poudel – Detailed Profile Full Name: Khadak Raj Poudel Popularly Known As: Ganess / Ganesh Paudel Date of Birth: 2 October 1979 (B.S. 2036-06-16) Place of Birth: Majheripatan, Pokhara, Kaski District, Nepal Nationality: Nepali Ethnicity: Not widely specified in public sources Education: Schooling: Not widely specified in public sources Undergraduate Degree: BA in English Literature – Tribhuvan University Master’s Degree: MBA – Pokhara University Additional Studies: Some sources suggest advanced or Master’s-level studies in English Literature Professional Background: Khadak Raj Poudel is an educator, writer, and social activist with over 15 years of experience in teaching and academic leadership. He has founded several private schools in the Pokhara region, contributing significantly to education development and promoting reading culture among youth. Beyond education, he is actively involved in literary work, social awareness campaigns, and grassroots activism. He is also associated with Deurali Farm House, reflecting his engagement in professional and community-based initiatives. Public Policy & Government Roles: As of March 2026, Poudel serves as the Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in the federal government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah. He is also a Member of Parliament (MP) representing Kaski-1 constituency in the House of Representatives. His role focuses on tourism development, cultural promotion, and policy reform in aviation and governance. Political Career: Poudel began his political journey through grassroots activism and independent participation. 2016: Briefly affiliated with Naya Shakti Party Nepal 2022 Local Elections: Contested as an independent candidate for Mayor of Pokhara under the “Lauro” symbol; received approximately 3,030 votes and placed fourth, gaining recognition as an alternative political voice Post-2022: Joined Rastriya Swatantra Party, aligning with reformist politics January 2026: Appointed Central Committee Member of RSP 2026 General Election: Elected as MP from Kaski-1 with 39,883 votes, defeating Tilak Bahadur Ranabhat by a margin of over 28,000 votes March 2026: Appointed Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Political Ideology: Khadak Raj Poudel’s political approach emphasizes: Anti-corruption and transparency Good governance Youth and Gen Z engagement Anti-nepotism Policy-driven development He advocates for systemic reform, accountability, and direct public participation in governance. Electoral History: 2022 Pokhara Mayoral Election: Received ~3,030 votes (Independent candidate, 4th position) 2026 Kaski-1 General Election: Won with 39,883 votes; victory margin of 28,000+ votes Public Image & Influence: Poudel is widely seen as a grassroots leader turned national figure, representing a new generation of Nepali politics. His rise reflects growing public demand for transparency, reform, and alternative leadership beyond traditional party structures. He is particularly popular among youth and is viewed as a strong advocate for governance reform and accountability. Literary Contributions: Paitala (2017): Original Nepali novel Musa Manus (2020): Nepali translation of Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck He has also contributed articles to newspapers, magazines, and journals, promoting intellectual discourse and reading culture. Personal Life: Spouse: Natasha Parajuli Residence: Pokhara Metropolitan City–14, Majheri Patan Office: Pokhara–27, Dandako Nak Poudel maintains a relatively private personal life. He is active on social media (Facebook: Ganess Paudel) and runs a personal website sharing his political views and public engagements.