Harka Sampang

Harka Raj Rai ; also known as Harka Sampang is a Nepalese politician who served as the 6th mayor of Dharan from 2022 to 2026. He was first ever independent candidate elected as mayor of Dharan. Sampang is the founder and chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party since 2025.
Born into a traditional Rai family, Sampang has been active in the Nepalese political scene since 2017. He graduated from Tribhuvan University with a bachelor’s and master's in degree political science. After winning the 2022 Nepalese local elections, he served as the mayor of Dharan until his resignation in January 2026.
He has served as the chairman of the Shram Sanskriti Party since its founding in November 2025. He established the party in the aftermath of the 2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests, during which he emerged as a prominent national figure and a symbol of political reform for the youth-led movement.

Early life and education

Sampang was born in a Rai family in Khartamchha, Khotang which is in present-day Kepilasgadhi rural municipality. His father was a British Gurkha personnel.
He moved to Dharan in 1998 after completing his SLC examinations from Sukrabare School to pursue higher education.
Sampang graduated in Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science from Mahendra Multiple Campus of Tribhuvan University in Dharan and completed master's degree in political science while working as a tutor. After completing his higher education went to Malaysia, Iraq and Afghanistan for employment.

Early political career

After six years working abroad he returned to Dharan and opened the National Unity Network to protest against corruption. He was also involved in protests against tax raises, illegal sand extraction from rivers and the water scarcity in Dharan. In 2016, Sampang became the coordinator of people displaced by the expansion of the Madan Bhandari Inner Terai Highway.
Sampang’s journey into leadership started at the grassroots level. He was deeply involved in social work, primarily focusing on environmental conservation and water management, which were two of Dharan’s most pressing issues at the time.
He organized clean-up campaigns and advocated for sustainable solutions to the city’s growing water crisis. These efforts resonated with the public, and he quickly gained recognition as a leader who understood the community’s needs.
Sampang contested the 2019 by-elections for the mayor of Dharan as an independent but only managed to get 422 votes.
Sampang again contested at the 2022 elections still as an independent for the mayorship and was elected after getting a vote share of 39.8%. His election symbol was a walking stick which was given by the Election Commission. He defeated Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) candidates by receiving 20,821 votes winning the mayorship.

Mayoral career

Sampang served as the Mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City from May 23, 2022, to January 19, 2026. His tenure was characterized by a focus on "politics of labor" and direct public mobilization, often referred to as the Dharan Model of development.

Shramdaan movement and infrastructure

Sampang's administration was best known for the Shramdaan movement, which rejected reliance on external loans in favor of community effort.

Water Supply: Facing a long-term water crisis, Sampang mobilized thousands of volunteers to lay over 42 kilometers of pipelines from the Khar Khola, Maya Khola, and Kokaha Khola sources. The project added approximately 700,000 liters of water daily to the city's supply. This community-led approach cost approximately NPR 70.4 million in public donations, a fraction of the multi-billion NPR estimates for previous government-led projects. For these efforts, Sampang was recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from the World Book of Records in July 2023.
Afforestation: He initiated a "Gift a Tree" campaign and led weekly tree-planting drives on Fridays. By late 2025, over 100,000 saplings had been planted to protect the city's watershed areas, with Sampang setting a long-term goal of 10 million trees.

Local industrialization

Sampang established small-scale industries under the Maya Dharane brand to promote self-sufficiency.

Soap Factory: Launched in 2024, the factory produces laundry and bathing soap locally. The project provided employment for local youth, including those in recovery from drug addiction.
Turmeric Processing Plant: Initiated in June 2025, the plant processes organic turmeric grown by local farmers. In its first month of operation, the facility reported sales of NPR 3.8 million, with products exported to countries including the UK and Japan.

International and national prominence

In October 2024, Sampang embarked on a two-week official tour of the United Kingdom to fundraise for local infrastructure, including the Sumnima Paruhang monument. He visited The Gurkha Welfare Trust in Salisbury, expressing gratitude for their funding of water projects that increased Dharan's capacity by four million liters per day.
By late 2025, Sampang had become a national figure in the youth-led "Gen Z movement", which protested against political corruption. Protesters frequently cited him as a model for a "new political alternative." During the unrest in September 2025, he joined demonstrators in Kathmandu, signaling his intent to move into federal politics.

Public facilities and school

Shram Sanskriti Park: Built entirely through voluntary labor near the Sardu and Khardu rivers, the park celebrates the city's labor culture and has become a major local attraction.
Jestha Nagarik Park: A dedicated park for senior citizens was established to provide a safe recreational space for the elderly. Built almost entirely through Shramdaan, the project involved community volunteers who assisted with landscaping, path-laying, and the installation of protective river barriers to safeguard the area from monsoon erosion. The park's design emphasizes tranquility and accessibility for senior residents.
Multi Linguistic School : Sampang initiated this academy to promote indigenous languages, including Kirat and Limbu dialects, as part of his cultural preservation policy.

Resignation and national transition

On January 19, 2026, Sampang officially resigned as Mayor to contest the House of Representatives elections from the Sunsari-1 constituency.

Shram Sanskriti Party: On November 2, 2025, he registered the Shram Sanskriti Party, emphasizing an ideology of self-reliance and labor culture.
2026 Elections: Upon stepping down, he filed his candidacy with the goal of bringing the "Dharan model" to the national stage.

Following his resignation, Deputy Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha assumed the role of acting mayor.

Mainstream political career

Sampang transitioned into national politics during a period of significant political shifting in Nepal. His move to the national stage was catalyzed by the 2025 youth-led Gen Z protests and a goal to scale his labor-based development model to a federal level.

2025 Gen Z movement and political rise

In September 2025, Sampang emerged as a key figure during the Gen Z movement, a series of nationwide protests against political corruption and social media censorship. During the unrest, which led to the resignation of the government on September 9, 2025, Sampang joined demonstrators in Kathmandu. Protesters frequently cited his "Dharan model" of governance as a viable alternative to the established system, with some groups even proposing him for the role of interim Prime Minister during the transitional period.

Shram Sanskriti Party

On November 2, 2025, Sampang officially registered the Shram Sanskriti Party with the Election Commission of Nepal.

Ideology: The party advocates for "Harkabad," a political philosophy emphasizing labor culture, environmental stewardship, and a "directly elected executive" system to ensure political stability.
Symbolism: The party's election symbol consists of "two hands holding soil," representing a connection to the land and the dignity of manual labor.

2026 General Election campaign

On January 19, 2026, Sampang resigned as Mayor of Dharan to contest the 2026 Nepalese general election, a legal prerequisite for federal candidacy.

Candidacy in Sunsari-1: On January 20, 2026, he filed his nomination for the House of Representatives from the Sunsari-1 constituency, which includes Dharan. Despite rumors of contesting against senior leaders in other districts, he chose to stay in his home base to solidify his local support.
Campaign Style: Maintaining his signature style, Sampang's campaign involves door-to-door visits and "labor-based canvassing," where his team assists residents with street cleaning and community tasks while seeking votes.

Vision and ideology

Sampang's political ideology is primarily defined by the concept of Shram Sanskriti, a philosophy that emphasizes the dignity of manual labor, self-reliance, and the direct participation of citizens in development projects. His vision is centered on the belief that Nepal's economic and infrastructural progress has been hindered by a reliance on foreign aid and a bureaucratic system disconnected from the working class.

Harkism

A central pillar of his political branding is the concept of Harkism. It is defined by hyper-transparency through social media, a total rejection of traditional party power-sharing, and a "leadership by example" approach where the leader physically participates in manual labor alongside citizens. He positions Harkism as a grassroots alternative to the established ideologies of Nepal's major political parties.

Shramdaan and Economic Sovereignty

The core mechanism of Sampang's vision is Shramdaan. He argues that by mobilizing the public to work on infrastructure projects—such as the water pipelines and parks built during his mayoral tenure in Dharan—the country can reduce development costs while fostering a sense of public ownership and national pride. He frequently uses the slogan "Jay Mato, Jay Shram Dan" to highlight the connection between political leadership and physical work.
Through the Shram Sanskriti Party, which received official recognition from the Election Commission in November 2025, Sampang advocates for several radical changes to Nepal's governance:

Directly Elected Executive: He supports a constitutional amendment to introduce a directly elected executive, arguing that the current parliamentary system leads to unstable coalition governments.
Labor-Centric Governance: His vision includes a government led by representatives of the working class—farmers, laborers, and artisans—rather than career politicians or hereditary political elites.
Economic Sovereignty: He promotes "earthly politics," focusing on utilizing Nepal's natural resources for domestic production, as exemplified by his establishment of municipal soap and turmeric factories.

Sampang positions his party as a "republican and culturalist" alternative that avoids traditional electoral alliances to maintain ideological purity.

Political positions

Sampang’s political ideology is centered on Shram Sanskriti, which advocates for extreme self-reliance, the dignity of manual labor, and the rejection of foreign dependence. His approach to international relations is defined by a "Nepal-first" policy, often characterized by public skepticism toward foreign diplomatic influence in domestic governance.

Relation with the United States

Sampang’s stance toward the United States is primarily defined by his opposition to foreign aid and what he describes as "interventionist diplomacy." He has consistently argued that reliance on Western aid packages, such as those provided by USAID or the Millennium Challenge Corporation, undermines Nepal’s long-term self-sufficiency.
Key aspects of his position include:

Skepticism of MCC: During the national debate over the ratification of the MCC Nepal Compact, Sampang expressed concerns that such agreements could draw Nepal into global geopolitical rivalries. He advocated for the rejection of the grant in favor of mobilizing internal capital and labor.
Criticism of NGO/INGO Culture: Sampang has been a vocal critic of the high volume of American and Western-funded NGOs operating in Nepal. He argues that these organizations often promote a "dependency mindset" and that their funds would be better spent if channeled through local labor-intensive projects managed by the community rather than foreign entities.
Gen Z Movement Support: In September 2025, during the "Gen Z revolution" in Nepal, Sampang stood alongside youth leaders in expressing concern over "foreign interference" during times of domestic political upheaval, subtly referencing Western diplomatic pressure on the then-government.

Relation with Russia

Sampang’s approach toward Russia is characterized by a "pragmatic neutrality" that prioritizes Nepal’s economic and energy security over global geopolitical alignment. He has often argued that Nepal, as a small landlocked nation, should maintain cordial relations with all major powers, including Russia, to secure essential resources without becoming embroiled in Western-led sanctions or ideological blocs.
His specific stances include:

Energy and Fertilizer Security: Sampang has voiced support for exploring direct trade with Russia for chemical fertilizers and petroleum products. He argues that securing affordable inputs for Nepali farmers is a matter of national survival and that "diplomatic sensitivities" should not prevent the state from seeking the best deals for its citizens.
Stance on Ukraine Conflict: Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Sampang has maintained a strictly neutral posture, mirroring his broader skepticism of Western influence. He has criticized the "hypocrisy" of global powers and insisted that Nepal’s primary concern should be the domestic inflation and supply chain disruptions caused by the war rather than taking a definitive side.
Multipolarity: Sampang’s "Harkabad" ideology aligns with the concept of a multipolar world where Nepal is not dependent on any single superpower. He views Russia as a counterweight that helps maintain a global balance, allowing smaller nations more room for sovereign decision-making.

Relation with China

Sampang views China primarily as a model for industrial discipline and infrastructure development. While he acknowledges China as a potential partner for technological exchange, he remains wary of foreign loans. Consistent with his philosophy of economic sovereignty, he has voiced opposition to projects that might lead to long-term debt, preferring instead to utilize local resources and "Shramdaan" for public works. He has often cited the Chinese work ethic as something for Nepali youth to emulate while maintaining strict political independence.

Relation with India

Sampang’s relationship with India is frequently defined by his vocal defense of Nepali sovereignty. He has been a critic of what he terms "external interference" in Nepal's internal affairs. In late 2025, Sampang made headlines by claiming he rejected high-ranking ministerial positions because he refused to follow traditional protocols of seeking "diplomatic approval" from the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
His specific stances regarding India include:

Border Integrity: He has consistently utilized social media to highlight issues of border encroachment, calling for a more assertive stance from the central government.
Agricultural Protectionism: Sampang advocates for the protection of Nepali farmers against cheap Indian imports. Through his "Jay Mato" movement, he encourages the use of indigenous seeds and organic farming to reduce reliance on the Indian market.
Diplomatic Reciprocity: He maintains that Nepal-India relations should be based on "equal footing" and has criticized mainstream political leaders for being too accommodating toward New Delhi's interests.

Cultural and political image

Sampang has emerged as a polarizing yet influential figure in Nepali culture and politics, characterized by a shift from grassroots social activism to national political leadership. His image is defined by his "working-class hero" persona, focus on universal civic labor, anti-corruption and performance-based agenda.

"Shramdaan" and the Dharan Model

Sampang's cultural identity is deeply rooted in the philosophy of Shramdaan. Unlike traditional Nepali politicians who favor formal attire and bureaucratic protocols, Sampang is frequently depicted in tracksuits, carrying stones or digging trenches alongside citizens. This "working mayor" image has resonated with a public disillusioned by the perceived inertia of mainstream parties. His successful mobilization of volunteers to solve Dharan's chronic water crisis—completing a 42-km pipeline through community effort—is cited by supporters as the "Dharan Model" of development, emphasizing self-reliance over foreign aid or government loans.

Political ideology

Following his mayoral term, Sampang founded the Shram Sanskriti Party in late 2025, formalizing his political ideology often referred to by followers as Harkabad. The ideology advocates for a directly elected executive presidency, a "three-day school week" focused on practical field-based learning, and mandatory afforestation. Politically, he positions himself as a "last alternative" for the Gen Z movement, appealing to youth who reject the seniority-based hierarchy of the old established parties.

Working-class activism and "Labor Culture"

Sampang's political identity is built on the concept of Shram Sanskriti, a philosophy that advocates for self-reliance and the direct participation of citizens in development. Supporters argue that his movement is a class-based uprising against an "out-of-touch" political establishment, appealing to youth and workers across regional lines who have been marginalized by unemployment. His Shram Sanskriti Party, founded in late 2025, centers its ideology on the belief that Nepal’s progress has been hindered by a reliance on foreign aid rather than local labor. During his 2026 parliamentary campaign, he urged voters to "vote for the soil," framing his agenda as a revolution for farmers, herdsmen, and laborers.

Debate on identity politics

While Sampang and his supporters maintain that his movement is strictly based on class and labor, his image has been the subject of debate regarding identity politics. These critics argue that his unfiltered social media presence and confrontational style can be polarizing, whereas Sampang characterizes these instances as necessary "rebellion" against long-standing systemic inequality.
His unfiltered use of social media, where he directly engages with both fans and critics in colloquial Nepali, has further cemented his image as a "populist disruptor" who bypasses traditional media gatekeepers.

Criticism and controversies

Since taking office in 2022, Sampang's tenure has been marked by both high popularity for his "Shramdaan" movement and significant controversy regarding his leadership style and public conduct.

Confrontational leadership and legal disputes

Sampang has been frequently criticized for a confrontational approach toward government institutions and officials. In 2025, a major legal dispute arose when he unilaterally appointed an acting mayor while traveling to the United Kingdom, bypassing Deputy Mayor Aindra Bikram Begha. The High Court eventually ruled in favor of Begha, to which Sampang responded on social media by questioning the court's authority over an elected representative, leading to accusations of disregarding the rule of law.

Environmental and administrative concerns

Critics have raised concerns over the legality of various infrastructure projects, such as the construction of parks in the Sardu watershed area. Investigations by investigative outlets alleged that these projects were often carried out without Environmental Impact Assessment or formal approval from the municipal executive committee, potentially risking the contamination of Dharan's primary water sources.

Personal life

Harka Sampang was born on 27 February 1983 in Khartamchha, Khotang District into a traditional Rai family. He is the son of Til Bikram Rai, a former soldier in the British Gurkha.

Education and early career

Sampang completed his School Leaving Certificate in his home village at Sukrabare School before moving to Dharan in 1998 to pursue higher education. He attended Mahendra Multiple Campus, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Political Science. Following his graduation, he initially worked as a tutor, teaching English and computer skills.
Prior to entering social activism and politics, Sampang spent approximately six years as a migrant worker in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Malaysia. Upon returning to Nepal, he operated an auto-rickshaw business and engaged in agriculture before committing full-time to social campaigns.

Interests and lifestyle

Sampang is a music enthusiast and is often seen playing the acoustic guitar and singing in public. He has written and composed several songs, and released an album titled Missing Heart around 2012. His lifestyle is characterized by a "hands-on" approach to labor; he is frequently documented participating in manual work, such as carrying stones or digging trenches alongside volunteers during city infrastructure projects.
Sampang is married to Nirmala Subba and resides in Dharan with his family.

Awards and recognitions

Harka Sampang's unconventional approach to governance and his emphasis on manual labor have earned him several domestic and international honors. His recognition is primarily centered on his success in mobilizing mass volunteerism to solve chronic infrastructure issues.

International recognition

World Book of Records : On June 30, 2023, the World Book of Records, London, officially recognized Sampang for his "immense contribution in espousing social causes and promoting Volunteerism Culture." The certificate specifically cited his leadership in the Kokaha Drinking Water Project, which successfully brought water to Dharan from the Kokaha stream through 98 days of continuous voluntary labor.
Metropolis Appreciation: Following his infrastructure successes, Sampang was recognized by Metropolis. The organization noted the "Dharan Model" as a significant example of community-driven resource mobilization in mid-sized Asian cities.

Domestic honors and titles

Pani Abhiyantha of the Year: Following the completion of the Kokaha project, several national civil society groups and media outlets in Nepal colloquially awarded him the title of "Water Activist of the Year".
Environmental Leadership Honor: In 2025, during his "Gift a Tree" campaign, he was recognized by local environmental NGOs for successfully leading the planting of 100,000 saplings in watershed areas, contributing to a longer-term goal of 10 million trees.
Youth Icon for Governance: During the peak of the 2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests, various youth organizations in Kathmandu hailed Sampang as an "Icon of Alternative Politics," citing his hands-on work ethic and transparency as the gold standard for future Nepalese leaders.