Progressive Democratic Party Candidate Sunil Chaudhary Challenges Former Ministers in Rupandehi-5 Election

Butwal. The daily routine of 31-year-old Sunil Chaudhary of Mahilawar, Lumbini Cultural Municipality in Rupandehi, is currently spent visiting voters' homes. This is because he is a candidate from the Progressive Democratic Party (PrLoPa) for the House of Representatives election in Rupandehi Constituency No. 5, scheduled for Falgun 21.

Chaudhary, who has established himself as a social activist, has long been involved with the Lumbini Tharu Indigenous Youth Union, working for the promotion of art, culture, and self-employment opportunities for the youth in his area. Interestingly, Chaudhary will have to compete against three former ministers in Rupandehi-5. The candidates in this constituency include Bharat Shah from the Nepali Congress, Omprakash Yadav (Gunjari) from the Janamat Party, and Mohammad Wakil Musalman from the CPN (UML).

Among the 29 candidates in this constituency, Chaudhary is the youngest. In the 2079 election, Basudev Ghimire of CPN-UML was elected from Rupandehi-5. This constituency currently has 134,442 voters: 70,775 male, 63,665 female, and 2 others. The District Election Office stated that there are 46 polling stations and 145 polling centers in this area.

Here is the edited excerpt of the conversation Ratopati had with PrLoPa candidate Chaudhary focusing on the election:

Why did you choose the newly formed Progressive Democratic Party to become a candidate?
There are many parties. I did not find a party among others that ensured inclusivity and the security of my rights as a youth. That's why I chose this party where there is inclusivity for all, and everyone's rights are protected and respected. I have observed that past parties have failed to bring about social transformation. On the other hand, they are also seen entangled in corruption.

You are entering the electoral arena against experienced figures, including three former ministers, in this constituency. Given your experience and the recent formation of your party, how will you compete against them?
They are former ministers and current leaders of various parties. I know that various election strategies must be adopted to compete with them. But I am also an educated youth. I am familiar with the society here. I also have my own agendas. Leaders who win here multiple times often do not return to the public, and they are unavailable when the people face problems.

But I am a local youth here forever. I stand with everyone. I have no problem competing against those former ministers. I will present stronger agendas than theirs. My main goal is to ensure the rights of every segment of people, including Dalits, Muslims, Janajatis, Tharus, the poor, the destitute, and the proletariat. Similarly, ensuring appropriate employment opportunities is also a goal.

What is the main reason that inspired you to become a parliamentary candidate?
I have been observing the problems of society closely for a long time. The difficulties faced by the people—lack of employment, limited access to education and health services, and weak good governance—all these can only be solved through policy and law. I became a candidate because I believe that as a Member of Parliament, the voice of the people can be directly taken to the parliament. My objective is service, not power.

What is the biggest problem in your constituency?
The biggest problem in this constituency is the lack of employment. Alongside that, the shortage of basic infrastructure such as quality education, health services, roads, and drinking water is also a major challenge. These problems are forcing the youth to migrate abroad. I will take initiatives to stop that.

What is your concrete plan to solve the problems?
My main plan is the maximum utilization of local resources and potential. Employment can be created through the promotion of agriculture, tourism, small industries, and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, I will ensure that development budgets are spent in the right place, at the right time, and transparently.

What do you intend to do to promote youth employment and stop foreign migration?
Youth need both skills and opportunities. For that, I will work to create local employment through skill-based training, concessional loans for startups, and collaboration with the private sector. Even if they have to go abroad, I will work on policy reforms to ensure safe, dignified, and skill-appropriate employment.

What will be your role in improving the quality of education and health services?
It is necessary to emphasize quality curriculum, skilled teachers, and practical education in education. In healthcare, I will prioritize raising the issue in parliament about providing basic health services at the village level and eliminating the shortage of manpower and equipment in hospitals.

How can you work as an MP to control corruption?
Corruption is the biggest obstacle to development in Nepal. I will work to strengthen transparency in lawmaking, public expenditure monitoring, and the system for strict action against the guilty. I am committed to setting an example of honesty and accountability myself.

Can you address the demands of farmers, laborers, and small business owners in this constituency?
I believe these classes are the backbone of the country right now. I will engage in regular dialogue to understand their problems and will continuously raise those issues in parliament through questions, proposals, and bills. I will try to involve them in the policy-making process.

How can the shortcomings seen in the implementation of federalism be improved?
The essence of federalism is the correct distribution of rights and resources. Clear determination of authority, coordination, and capacity building among the federal, provincial, and local levels are necessary. I will play an active role in legal reforms and practical implementation for this.

Why are you different and more qualified than other candidates?
I believe in action, not just speeches. My style is to stay close to the people, understand their problems, and find solutions. I am different as a candidate who values responsibility over position.

Finally, what is your main message to the voters?
Politics is a means of change. We can secure our future by electing honest, capable, and accountable leadership. With your trust and support, I will work as your servant.