Young Challenger Sandeep Pun Takes on Ex-PM Prachanda in Rukum East, Citing Betrayal of Maoist Ideals

Butwal. Rukum is considered the birthplace of the Maoist armed insurgency. Consequently, the former Maoist party has consistently won elections in East Rukum. For the upcoming House of Representatives election on Falgun 21, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, coordinator of the CPN (UML), has arrived here as a candidate.

This time, 28-year-old Sandeep Pun is challenging Prachanda, a commander during the armed conflict, in this constituency. Pun, who lost his parents during the armed rebellion, is in the electoral fray representing the Progressive Democratic Party (PrLoPa).

In this constituency, which has only one seat, Pun and Prachanda are among 11 candidates competing. The young candidate Pun is busy campaigning door-to-door. Hailing from Bhume Rural Municipality-6, we asked him why he left the party born from the People's War to embrace a new path by contesting from PrLoPa, what challenges he faces in the electoral field, and other related questions.

• You are a candidate for the House of Representatives at a young age; how was this possible?

– My parents attained martyrdom in the insurgency (People's War) that took place on Nepali soil. The reality that the party and movement built upon the sacrifice, blood, and sweat of thousands of guardians like my parents are not on the right track today deeply affected me.

Rukum East, considered the base area of the People's War, is still not adequately integrated into the mainstream of development. The firm belief that concrete initiatives must be taken for a prosperous Rukum, and the blessings of the mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, martyrs, and disappeared families of Rukum, led me to the decision to become a candidate.

I am a politically conscious youth. If the youth are afraid to make decisions, the possibility of change is low. Therefore, I decided to contest the election and entered the field from the Progressive Democratic Party.

• The former Prime Minister is also in the field! You showed courage, didn't you?

– This district is the base area of the People's War, but the leadership of the former Maoist party failed to fulfill the dreams of those who sacrificed during the People's War. Rather than staying in a party that doesn't work, I decided to enter the field because the Progressive Democratic Party, formed with a new direction, carries a clear agenda to fulfill the dreams of inclusivity, youth issues, and the residents of the base area.

On the other hand, regardless of how much Prachanda is discussed in the country, I became a candidate based on the support and cooperation given by the people here. We made him (Prachanda) when we were building him yesterday, but now that he doesn't represent our agenda, I have no fear or problem contesting against Prachanda. I am comfortably in the field. The residents here have supported me.

• How different are your agendas compared to other candidates?

– Our party is new. But the people here have found that the agendas of traditional leaders are often limited to winning elections and only last until the next election, which has made the general public weary today. The recent Gen Z movement has raised serious questions about the existence of traditional parties and leaders.

My agendas are linked to the future of the people of Rukum and the dreams of the martyrs. I want to transform the voice of the youth into policy, not just slogans. My main goal is to stop the increasing youth migration by placing youth power at the forefront of societal transformation and creating self-employment opportunities. I will focus on useful development works for the people here rather than abusing others.

• Many young candidates are in the election now. But there is an accusation that politics is merely slogans for the youth?

– Yes, many more youths are in the electoral field now compared to the past elections. There are various reasons behind this. Youth power is the backbone of the country. Only politically conscious youth power can fulfill the aspiration of a prosperous Nepal. But unfortunately, youth have only been used in Nepali politics until today. The Gen Z rebellion has deeply shaken the perspective of traditional parties towards youth and students; my candidacy is to materialize the transformation agendas raised by this rebellion.

• What are the main programs you can implement within the first year if you are elected?

– I am a youth born in Rukum East. I have closely observed the problems and opportunities of youth in rural, urban, and other areas. I will not distribute unfulfillable promises by showing big dreams. It is my firm belief that there must be a clear consistency between what a politician says and does.

My primary concern is focused on how to make the daily lives of the people of Rukum easy, dignified, and prosperous. Rukum is a district with immense tourism potential. By systematically promoting the natural, cultural, and historical sites here, we can link them to employment. This will create sustainable employment opportunities for the youth in their own locality, not outside the district.

Now, the unity of youth power is indispensable for transformation. The time has come to focus on common agendas, rising above this party or that party; the prosperity of Rukum is our common resolution.

• What plans are there specifically to stop youth unemployment and the compulsion to go abroad?

– Unemployment is the main problem in Rukum. Sustainable solutions require creating employment within the district. There must be ensured local investment, ownership, and participation in the effective marketing of local products, systematic development of natural, cultural, and adventure tourism, and long-term productive sectors like hydropower. Our clear vision is that the benefits generated from the district's resources should not go outside; employment and prosperity should return locally. There is also a lack of quality education in our area. Youth are forced to seek employment abroad. Many have to take on huge debts and go to Europe and America through illegal routes. This endangers not only the future of the youth but also the family and society. The solution requires quality education, skill-based training, and employment based on local resources within the district; I will focus on that.

• What is the specific reason for leaving old parties and joining this party?

– I felt deep pain seeing the movement built by the sacrifice of my parents and thousands of warriors being ruined due to the self-interest of a few leaders. Traditional parties are limited to the struggle for survival, while some so-called new parties are stuck only in anger. In such a situation, rather than becoming a hostage to the status quo, I consciously participated in the formation process of PrLoPa, which carries the goal of ideological clarity and progressive transformation. Now, through this party, we will send a new message to Rukum East and the country.

• Are you in favor of generational change?

– I am a representative of the Gen Z generation. The debate on transformation arising today is not a fashion; it is the demand of the time. The country will not move forward with old thinking, the same faces, and closed decision-making processes. Gen Z is now seeking change over slogans, work over speeches, and accountability over rights. Nepal has today become a field of popular revolt against corruption, malpractice, and abuse of power. The public is fed up with the luxurious lifestyles of the so-called big leaders. Hollow speeches and excuses are no longer acceptable. The clear demand of the people is good governance, and extreme strictness is essential to bring good governance. Once in parliament, I will speak as the voice of the youth myself. I will ensure the influence of youth in policymaking through continuous dialogue with the youth, direct participation, and transparent decision-making processes. Youth issues are not just my priority; they are my political responsibility.

• Any message for the voters?

– I am fighting against tendencies, not individuals. My strength is based not on money but on truth and the trust of the people. Sustainable change is possible only by remaining steadfast in truth, transparency, and standing with the people. Youth are needed in decisions, not just slogans. The time has come for us to build the future ourselves, not wait for others. I have come with a clear blueprint to solve the problems of the people here.