Rastriya Swatantra Party's Toshima Karki Discusses Campaign Momentum and Constituency Issues in Lalitpur

An interview with RSP candidate Toshima Karki from Lalitpur Constituency No. 3:

• How are the election preparations going, and what kind of response are you getting from voters?

Preparations are very enthusiastic. I am currently visiting various wards in my constituency. I see a unique kind of excitement among the voters, especially among the youth. They ask, 'What did you do yesterday, and what will you do now?' It is good that they have this curiosity. I am getting very positive vibes. I am confident that I will receive even more support this time than in the previous election.

• We heard complaints from some voters that 'after winning the parliament seat, you did not return,' how do you take this?

I have tried to manage my time to visit all parts of my area, but one thing needs to be understood: the main role of a federal parliamentarian is to formulate policies, rules, and laws in the parliament. I spent my time on parliamentary attendance, regional issues, and national issues. A parliamentarian is not just a contractor who allocates budgets and executes work, but I left no stone unturned in the work of pressing the government on key issues of my area, monitoring, and ensuring accountability.

In our society, there is a natural expectation that elected representatives should always be present at weddings, feasts, or small events. However, my priority was advocating for the public in policy-making within the parliament and in committees like Health and Education. I served as a member of the Health and Education Committee and also as the coordinator of the Health Subcommittee. Therefore, I was busy working; I was not lost.

• Your opponents are campaigning by saying, 'We are new, but you have become old.' How do you view this?

I believe in open debate. The general public can examine all of us. As for the matter of old versus new, my three-year term, which was actually incomplete, clearly shows what I accomplished there. People also approach me with problems related to roads, electricity, drainage, and drinking water, which should be handled by the local government. This happened because the local and provincial governments failed to work within their systems. I trust that the public will evaluate my honesty and work style.

• What are the main problems in Lalitpur Constituency No. 3 that you will raise at the national level?

There are many issues here. First, the dispute over the starting point of the Kathmandu-Terai-Madhes Expressway (Fast Track) has still not been resolved. I am continuously following up on this. Second, there are issues related to the Kanti Lokpath and compensation here. The delay in the Melamchi Drinking Water Project means the residents of Lalitpur still have to suffer from water scarcity; I have prioritized this as well.

Furthermore, the Nakhkhu-Bhaisepati road, Satdobato-Dhapasi road, and Khoybaha-Sanagaon roads were left unfinished for the tenth year. There were problems like budget freezing and contractors not working. During my tenure, significant progress was made on these roads and the reconstruction of the Rato Machhindranath and Rudrayani temples. Another important achievement is the start of the health insurance program in Lalitpur. Among the 77 districts, this program was not available in Lalitpur; following my continuous efforts, health insurance has now been implemented here.

• This time, your competition includes experienced candidates from major parties like the Nepali Congress and UML. How do you view them?

I respect all candidates and wish for a healthy competition. The public will look at who has done what and what everyone's vision is. Friends from the old parties ran this country for 30 years; they had ample time, but we only received a short period. The activism I demonstrated during my incomplete term is my foundation.

• Finally, what would you like to tell the voters?

I tell the general voters that winning only in Lalitpur-3 is not enough; only if we can send many parliamentarians from across the country will a stable government be formed, and we can achieve what we envision. You have seen the parties that have been around for 30 years; now, look at RSP for 5 years. The public has understood where our proposed amendments and our policies will take the country.