Mahesh Bindra. Photo: RNZ / Jane Patterson
New Zealand First's sole Indian-origin candidate, Mahesh Bindra, has withdrawn his candidacy from the Panmure-Ōtāhuhu electorate in the upcoming general election, citing personal reasons.
"I have withdrawn my candidacy from this year's elections due to some personal reasons," Bindra said.
He told RNZ that he was still a member of New Zealand First.
Bindra is the only lawmaker of Asian descent in the party's history.
His decision to pull out of the electoral race comes just days after New Zealand First released its party list for the upcoming election.
Bindra's name was notably absent from the list unveiled Saturday, and his profile has also been removed from its website.
A New Zealand First party spokesperson confirmed that Bindra had asked the party to withdraw his candidacy for personal reasons.
"There are other previous MPs who are going through the same process, and they are all very supportive of the party," the spokesperson said.
Bindra has been a member of New Zealand First since 2006, representing the party as a list MP from 2014 to 2017.
In the 2011 election, Bindra stood for the Mt Roskill electorate and secured fifth spot.
In 2014, he garnered more votes and entered the Beehive as a list MP, ranking 11th on the party list.
In 2017, he was placed 10th on the list but failed to retain a seat in parliament.
In 2020, Bindra dropped to 12th on the list.
According to recent polls, New Zealand First is hovering around the 5 percent threshold needed to secure a seat in parliament.
