Political Activity Intensifies in Nawalparasi Constituency 1 Ahead of Elections

Political activity has intensified in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) for the House of Representatives election. Political parties are focused on finalizing their electoral agendas, expanding organizations, door-to-door campaigns, and meeting and consulting with voters.

The election atmosphere has heated up across the district as the election date approaches. The district has two House of Representatives constituencies. For the election scheduled for the upcoming Falgun 21, sixteen candidates, including three independents, are contesting in Constituency No. 1.

Major party candidates include Balkrishna Ghimire, Vice Chairman of the Nepali Congress; Bhagirath Sapkot from CPN (UML); Rajan Gautam from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP); Lokprasad Bhurtel from the Communist Party of Nepal; and Deepakchandra Bastakoti from Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

Constituency No. 1 is traditionally considered a stronghold for the Nepali Congress. Congress has won this constituency in every parliamentary election held since 2048 BS. Since 2064 BS, Congress leader Dr. Shashank Koirala was elected from this constituency four consecutive times.

In the last election, Dr. Koirala secured 27,067 votes, defeating RSP's Gandaki Province Chairman Rajan Gautam by a margin of 2,762 votes. Gautam is once again contesting this time.

Following nominations, candidates are engaging in direct dialogue with voters through door-to-door programs, local gatherings, and interactions. Candidates state they are advancing their campaigns by prioritizing development, good governance, employment, infrastructure, and solving the district's long-term problems.

Narayani Bhusal, a voter from Kawasoti Municipality-1, said she views this election differently than previous ones. "We hear talk of development in every election, but the problems of irrigation and markets in the village remain the same. This time, the winner must deliver visible work within five years," she stated.

Similarly, Laxmi Maya Thapa, a local resident of Bulingtar Rural Municipality, pointed out that access to roads and health services remains weak in the hilly areas. "It takes hours to reach the district headquarters when someone falls ill. Upgrading roads and health posts is our first priority," she said. Young people cited the lack of employment and opportunities as their main concern.

Suraj Paudel, a young voter from Gaidakot Municipality, said, "After finishing studies, there is a compulsion to go abroad due to a lack of jobs. If industries, tourism, and skill-based programs increase here, young people can stay in the villages."

Anita Regmi, a voter from Devchuli Municipality-10, expressed expectations that education, health, and social security should be effective. "Women and children's programs are limited to paper. We need policies that are implemented in practice," she said.

Geographically, Constituency No. 1 includes the district headquarters and the hilly region. This constituency encompasses Gaidakot and Devchuli Municipalities, 11 wards of Kawasoti Municipality, and all wards of Bulingtar Rural Municipality, totaling 52 wards. Locals mention that the needs of this area, which mixes hilly and Terai terrains, are diverse.

According to the Election Office, there are a total of 268,526 voters in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East). Of these, 137,081 voters are in Constituency No. 1 alone. This constituency has 58 polling stations and 157 polling centers designated.

The growing interest in new political parties, the presence of independent candidates, and increased public awareness have made the election in this constituency competitive. As the election date nears, citizens are closely monitoring the commitments and declarations of the candidates.

Voters appear to be searching for candidates capable of fulfilling public expectations regarding development, employment, and good governance. This public sentiment is why the election in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East) Constituency No. 1 is being viewed with special significance this time.