Shram Sanskriti Party
Political party in Nepal
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The Shram Sanskriti Party (SSP; Nepali: श्रम संस्कृति पार्टी, lit. 'Labour Culture Party') is a political party in Nepal that was established by Harka Sampang, the former mayor of Dharan. Founded in 2025, the party won seven seats in the House of Representatives following the 2026 general election, becoming the fifth largest party in the lower house.
Shram Sanskriti Party श्रम संस्कृति पार्टी | |
|---|---|
| |
| Abbreviation | SSP |
| Chairperson | Harka Sampang |
| General Secretary | Aaren Rai |
| Spokesperson | Arun Gurung |
| Founder | Harka Sampang |
| Founded | 28 September 2025 |
| Headquarters | Sukedhara, Kathmandu, Nepal |
| Ideology | Labourism Indigenism |
| Colours | Brown |
| Slogan | Jay Mato Jay Shram Dan |
| ECN Status | National Party (5th largest) |
| Seats in Pratinidhi Sabha | 7 / 275 |
| Seats in Rastriya Sabha | 0 / 59 |
| Seats in Provincial Assemblies | 0 / 550 |
| Mayors/Chairs | 0 / 753 |
| Councillors | 1 / 35,011 |
| Election symbol | |
 Soil in Hands | |
| Website | |
| www | |
History
Background and formation (2022–2025)
Harka Sampang was elected as mayor of Dharan as an independent in 2022, with a "working man" image and a platform of anti-corruption, public participation, and expanding access to drinking water.[1][2] Under his mayoralty, Sampang gained popularity for organizing public work programmes in Dharan.[2][3]
The party was formed following the Gen Z protests.[4] It registered with the Election Commission of Nepal under the name Shram Sanskriti Party (SSP) on 28 September 2025.[5][6]
2026 general election
During the 2026 general election campaign, the party cleaned streets while canvassing.[4] It won three direct seats in Eastern Nepal and four proportional seats in the election.[5][7][8]
Name and symbols
Political positions
The party's ideology is based on "Harkabaad", a political philosophy influenced by Sampang's personal leadership style and a focus on local development and civic mobilization.[2]
Economic issues
The party supports shifting from a "city-centric" development model that favors Kathmandu to a "village-centric" model focusing development of sustainable industries in rural areas.[2][9] It supports transitioning into an export-based economy through national economic 5 year plans.[10]
Legal issues
The party supports a governance with a directly elected president with a five-year term and a maximum of two terms.[9][11]
Social issues
The party supports recognizing all indigenous languages in Nepal as national languages, allowing them to be used in education and government.[9] It supports universal suffrage.[9] It supports a secular state and does not endorse any religion.[2][9] It has proposed an educational system with a three day school week and a greater focus on practical knowledge.[10][9]
Structure
The party is headquartered in Kathmandu and operates under a five member central office bearer and a 23 member committee.[1]
As of November 2025, the party's chairman is Harka Sampang, its general secretary is Aryan Rai, its treasurer is Samita Rai, and its spokesperson is Arun Gurung.[12][13]
Demographics
Electoral performance
Federal parliament
| Election | Leader | Constituency Votes | Proportional Votes | Seats | Position | Resulting government | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | ||||
| 2026 (debut) |
Harka Sampang | 303,902 | 2.89 | 385,856 | 3.56 | 7 / 275 |
5th | In opposition |
Leadership
Chairman
- Harka Sampang (since 2025)