KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 27 Asheem Man Singh Basnyat, who is currently serving as the Managing Director of Pathao Nepal is contesting House of Representatives election from Kathmandu constituency-1. Although he is contesting election as an independent candidate, he does not call himself an independent candidate rather a people's candidate. The word 'independent' is not more independent in Nepal's politics. Whenever I introduce myself as an independent candidate, people think that I represent Rastriya Swatantra Party. That means the word 'independent' is nor more independent at least in our politics,' he added. Basnyat a Nepali entrepreneur, business leader, and governance advocate known for his contributions to technology-driven economic growth and institutional development in Nepal, has done exemplary things in business and he wants to set new standards in politics especially in terms of good governance. With extensive experience in entrepreneurship, industry, and policy engagement, he represents a new generation of leadership focused on innovation, accountability, and sustainable economic progress. A management graduate from Beijing International Studies University, Basnyat also holds a Master of Arts degree from Tribhuvan University. His academic background, combined with practical leadership experience, has shaped his strategic approach to business and governance. He wants to emulate his business skills in the country's politics. Under his leadership, Pathao, has expanded across multiple sectors including ride-sharing, food delivery, and logistics, creating large-scale employment opportunities across the country. Pathao Nepal has grown into one of the country's largest private-sector platforms, contributing significantly to urban mobility, digital commerce, and service-sector employment. Beyond corporate leadership, Basnyat plays an active role in strengthening Nepal's business ecosystem. He is the Secretary and Founding Member of the American Chamber of Commerce Nepal (AMCHAM Nepal), an association of American-affiliated businesses operating in Nepal. Through AMCHAM, he has contributed to efforts aimed at improving the investment climate, strengthening bilateral trade, and advocating for policy reforms that support private-sector growth. Basnyat is also a majority shareholder in Infinity Fund, an investment platform that has invested in six startups with a current portfolio valuation of approximately Rs 57 crores. The fund continues to support emerging entrepreneurs and innovation-driven ventures in Nepal. Basnyat's leadership in entrepreneurship, technology adoption, private-sector development, and policy advocacy positions him as a forward-looking leader committed to strengthening Nepal's industrial and commercial foundations. His vision centers on transparent governance, competitive markets, and creating an enabling environment where businesses can grow sustainably. Basnyat said if he won Kathmandu-1 constituency, he would promote entrepreneurship in constituency by promoting local skills and innovation, among other things. He also says that he would advocate for structural reforms to control corruption and to promote good governance.