Dharan Residents Mixed on Mayor Harka Sampang's Resignation to Contest Federal Elections

Biratnagar. Harka Raj Sampang (Rai), who launched a campaign centered on the issue of water scarcity in Dharan, was elected Mayor in the local elections of 2079 BS. Running as an independent candidate, he not only won but also delivered an unexpected shock to the CPN-UML, which had maintained its sole dominance for years, and the traditional parties in the race. 

After winning the mayoral post, Sampang gained nationwide attention by carrying stones on the streets of Dharan and promoting the slogan of 'labor culture.' He pulled water pipes and supplied water from 40 kilometers away to some wards of Dharan through volunteer labor. This further fueled his popularity.

Now, Harka Sampang has resigned from the post of Mayor and is campaigning for the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. He is not alone in this endeavor; he has also formed his own 'Shram Sanskriti Party' and deployed his supporters across the country. The question now arises: Are the people of Dharan happy or sad after Harka Sampang resigned as Mayor to form a party and claim he will become Prime Minister? While supporters appear happy about his pursuit of the Prime Ministership, critics also seem pleased that the constant squabbles within the local government have ended.

However, while his popularity on social media appears high, the reactions of the common people on the streets and squares of Sunsari Constituency-1 sound mixed and, in some places, angry. Sunsari-1 comprises Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, wards 1 to 5 of Barahakshetra Municipality, and wards 6 and 7 of Ramdhuni Municipality.

Interviews with voters and analysts here suggest that Sampang's desire to become a Member of Parliament is being viewed by the public as an incomplete responsibility and a sign of his arrogance.

Prof. Dr. Tanka Neupane, a permanent resident of Dharan-14, states that the water issue was the basis for Harka Sampang's victory. 'The public sought an alternative after previous representatives did nothing. Sampang capitalized on that issue and won, but after becoming Mayor, a major lack of coordination was evident in him,' Neupane said.

According to Neupane, a major weakness in Sampang is arrogance. 'He does work, but he doesn't know how to speak. An ego that I am the most important person in Dharan developed in him,' Dr. Neupane said, 'That's why he couldn't coordinate with employees and other representatives, and now he has chosen another path, leaving the mayoral post incomplete.'

Another highly controversial aspect of Sampang's tenure was the centralization of ward powers at the municipal level, taking them away from the wards. A situation arose where even for simple tasks like installing electricity meter boxes and water connections, which were previously easily done at the ward office, the Mayor's signature was required. Dr. Neupane considers this a mistake as well.

'He created a situation where the municipality directly had to handle recommendations that wards used to make. For simple tasks, people had to wait for the Mayor's mood. This not only complicated service delivery but also increased hardship for the public,' Neupane stated.

Pratiksha Pokhrel from Dharan-14 says that while she is not dissatisfied with Harka Sampang's work, dissatisfaction with his speech and behavior has increased. 'His behavior with service seekers who came for work was never good; we only received scolding,' she said.

Many complain that Sampang publicly threatened, scolded people, and made indecent remarks on social media. Pratiksha adds, 'For this reason, many people in Dharan are criticizing him today. The Mayor should unite everyone, but he only brought division.'

Dharan, known as the city of retired Gurkha soldiers, has also recently been caught in the grip of ethnic and religious sensitivity. Laxmiraj Ghimire, also from Dharan-14, says, 'Harka Sampang tried to spread ethnic discord and worked to spoil social harmony.'

According to Dr. Neupane, although ethnic undertones have always existed in Dharan during elections, this issue surfaced more prominently during Sampang's tenure. It is analyzed that Dharan has over 13,000 Christian voters and Harka's inclination is seen towards that group.

The dispute between Gopal Mandir and a church even brought Dharan close to major conflict. 'Using ethnic and religious beliefs as a weapon has affected Dharan's social unity,' Neupane said.

Many people in Dharan were fed up with Sampang's scolding. Some expressed happiness upon hearing the news of his resignation as Mayor to contest for Parliament, feeling relieved from his rule rather than sad. Narendra Rai of Dharan-8 claimed, 'Now that he has resigned and left, let him fight at the top; at least there is peace here. The situation in Dharan is not what it appears from the outside.'

When discussing Dharan's politics, the experience of the older and seasoned voters appears profound. Local resident Khem Prasad Bhandari reflects on a page from his six-decade-long political journey. He recalls his childhood association with the once-famous leader Shailaja Acharya. 'When I was 13, Shailaja Acharya went to Bhojpur. I am the person who held the reins of the horse she was riding at Pikhua Khola. There were no vehicles then, only horses,' he said, 'My faith is to be wrapped in the four-star (Congress) flag when I sleep and when I die. But this time, I will vote for someone new.'

Older generation voters like Khem Prasad are worried seeing the current state of Dharan. He strongly criticizes Harka Sampang's working style. He says, 'The Mayor is the guardian of the area. We should be able to meet him directly, but if you want to meet him, he tells you to come to the jungle. How can Dharan develop with such blunt speech and behavior?'

In Bhandari's view, Dharan now needs intellectual and dignified leadership, not just someone who carries stones while covered in mud. 'We need a representative from Dharan who is good and sensible,' he said. 'Previous leaders had a certain stature and dignity. Now, it is heartbreaking to see the Mayor causing distress to people by talking about caste and religion.'

Ambika Ghimire, 75, also from Dharan-14, says she will vote for someone who works. 'We don't vote for those who lose,' she said. 'Whoever comes must be dedicated to serving the public.'