Voters in Parsa-3 Express Frustration Over Unmet Needs as Election Day Nears

Birgunj. Only 34 days remain until the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21. As the election date approaches, political parties' campaign activities are intensifying. Candidates are busy with everything from publicity and outreach to meeting voters.

Candidates are focused on meeting party workers and conducting door-to-door campaigns in their respective constituencies, dreaming of securing victory, while voters are hopeful about who will bring development to their area and when.

Voters in this constituency state that the problems of the people are being limited to the speeches of leaders. This time, they are inclined to support the party and candidates who genuinely address their real issues.

The election fervor is also increasing in Parsa Constituency No. 3. Nineteen candidates from various political parties, including independents, are competing for the House of Representatives seat, but the general public remains restless and disheartened due to minor issues.

Complaining that they have not received the rights guaranteed by the constitution in practice, voters are seeking clear commitments from candidates regarding problem-solving through the election. This time, actions, not just speeches, appear to be the main issue for the public.

Parsa Constituency No. 3 is located about 10 kilometers west of the district headquarters, Birgunj. This constituency has 35 wards. It encompasses Paterwasuguali, Sakhuwaprasauni, Bindhyabasini, Jagarnathpur, Pakhahaimanpur rural municipalities, and Pokhariya and Bahudarimai municipalities.

Despite being adjacent to the district headquarters, there is still a shortage of drinking water, adequate roads, drainage, quality schools, and industries/factories here. Consequently, the general public has to travel to Birgunj, and even to other places like Kathmandu, for daily necessities.

Lawyer Miyan of Pokhariya Municipality Ward No. 4 stated that the people have many problems. According to Miyan, who has been voting since 2036 BS, unemployment and education are serious issues in Constituency No. 3.

While roads and drains have been developed in some places, he notes that the quality of the education system is weak. Miyan, who works in the medical sector, added that the state of health services is also dire. He complained that even free medicines are not available on time.

Miyan says, “This has been a problem from the beginning. Although some physical structures have been built, there has been little improvement in matters connected to the future of the country.” Therefore, he believes political parties must take serious initiatives toward educational reform.

“The situation in the health sector is the same. There are hospitals in every village, but free medicines are not available. This is a basic need of the people, yet no party advocates for this issue,” he said.

According to 63-year-old Mohan Sah of Gobindpur, the people have not seen real development. He complained that there are no leaders dedicated to the people. He mentioned having to endure great hardship for even the most basic problems without being heard.

“We even have to buy fertilizer on the black market. If the leaders who give big speeches during elections worked on even five percent of those promises, the people would get great relief,” he said. He stressed the need for industries and factories to create employment opportunities for the youth.

Gaya Prasad Gupta of Bindhyabasini Rural Municipality Ward No. 2 voiced similar grievances. He expressed anger over the lack of development for the people. He accused leaders elected from this area of being limited to corruption and neglecting the welfare of the public.

“Roads have been built in some places, but they are incomplete. The management of drinking water is also weak. Taxes on the people have only increased, but there is no corresponding service or facility,” he said. He added that since the Madhes region is becoming arid, long-term management of drinking water is essential.

Jit Bahadur Sahani from the rural area of Haswa complained about discrimination in government facilities. He stated that the people would be sufficiently served if employment opportunities were created. “If industries are established, and quality environments are created for roads, agriculture, and education in schools, the living standard of the people will improve,” he said.

Sumitradevi Patel of Bahuarwa Bhatha complained about rising inflation. She mentioned that the young people in her household are unemployed, and it is difficult to meet daily expenses.

“Special attention needs to be paid to the education and health sectors. There are schools, but the standard of teaching is weak. If these things are improved, the people will get great relief,” she said.

Here, CPN-UML has nominated Rupesh Kumar Pandey, while the Nepali Congress has fielded Surendra Kumar Chaudhary. Furthermore, Rastriya Swatantra Party has nominated Ramakanta Prasad Chaurasia, who defected from the Congress. Chhote Lal Yadav of the Nepali Congress is also in the electoral fray. UML's Pandey is a new face here, while Congress's Chaudhary, who has represented the area since 2048 BS, is an experienced political player.