CPN-UML Candidate Sandan Thapa Magar Outlines Vision for Transforming Lalitpur Constituency 3

An interview with CPN-UML candidate Sandan Thapa Magar from Lalitpur Constituency No. 3:

• What is your main agenda in Lalitpur Constituency No. 3? If you win, what kind of city will you make this constituency?

My candidacy is aimed at bringing change to the living standards of the citizens in this constituency. My biggest dream and main agenda is to develop Lalitpur Constituency No. 3 into the best and a model city in Nepal. I want to connect this area with European-style development. Just like the organized sanitation, smooth and wide roads, greenery everywhere, and well-managed parks in European cities, these things are also possible here.

Lalitpur is a treasure trove of art and culture. My pledge is to preserve the historical monasteries and temples and heritage sites here while making it a city equipped with modern facilities. I have already started some plans for these works and will complete them after being elected. I believe in action, not just talk.

• You are currently going door-to-door to meet voters. What kind of feedback are you receiving from them?

Voters are showing great enthusiasm. I have been actively involved in social work in this constituency for a long time. Because I have stood by them in their joys and sorrows, the people already had a special trust in me. Now that I am visiting as a candidate, they are even happier.

The people realize that what is needed now is a young leadership that can truly work, understands the model of development, and is capable, not just someone who talks. Since I come from a background of social work, they have high expectations of me. The feeling that 'a local boy who works for our area has come' gives me more energy.

• Rastriya Swatantra Party won this constituency in the last election. The Nepali Congress has also nominated the District President. Candidates from other major parties are also in the field. How challenging do you find this situation?

To tell the truth, I do not see any party or candidate as a challenge to me. I do not consider anyone my rival. There are clear reasons for this.

Firstly, I have been at the forefront of social and political work among the people for a long time. Secondly, the other candidates currently competing have become old faces to the public. Toshima ji from RSP has already been a Member of Parliament; she has had the opportunity to work. Jitendra from Congress and Rajkaji from CPN have already contested provincial assembly elections and lost. Similarly, Sabin Khadka has also faced defeat in the past.

Amidst all these old and tested faces, I am very new, young, and energetic. This time, the public is looking for new and result-oriented youth. Voters are with me because of my past record of social work and my clear vision for the future. My voters are working day and night to ensure my victory more than I am. Therefore, I feel not challenged, but assured of victory.

• What would you like to say to the voters of Lalitpur-3?

I want to appeal to all the mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters here that we have seen many people many times. The time now is for a representative who knows development and understands the concerns of the people experiencing development. I have a grand campaign to make Lalitpur-3 a 'Model City' worthy of Nepal's pride.