Nepali Congress Candidate Deep Bahadur Shahi Confident of Victory in Jumla Election

Surkhet. The Nepali Congress has nominated Deep Bahadur Shahi as a fresh candidate in Jumla, where incumbents are not contesting this time. He is participating in the elections for the first time.

Shahi, who is busy with the first phase of the election campaign, claimed that he would win the election in Jumla this time. He stated that since other parties have failed in Jumla, Congress will now take the lead. Below is an excerpt from his election interview:

•  This is your first time entering the election arena, how is the campaign progressing?

Even as I speak with you, I am busy with the election campaign. I have completed programs in some settlements and wards of Guthichaur Rural Municipality and some wards of Patarasi. I am currently in Talpi village of Patarasi. I met with brothers and well-wishers in some settlements of Chandannath Municipality and markets from Jumla Bazaar to Nagma village. Our leaders and supporters are active in the remaining areas as well.

•  What kind of response have you received regarding the Congress party?

This time, I found the voters' trust in Congress to be very positive. At a time when the country is seeking change, the emergence of young leaders like Gagan Kumar Thapa in the recent general convention of Congress has brought new hope to the people. There is a visible belief among voters that Congress can solve the contemporary problems of the country.

•  What is the probability of Congress securing a favorable election result?

While campaigning, observing the sentiments, faces, and views of all voters in Jumla, I found that voters perceive me as a person committed to politics based on integrity, honesty, and service among all current candidates. Although voters from other parties advocate for their respective parties, I sense that Congress, from its leadership level to its well-wishers and voters, is unitedly engaged. The voters of Jumla have high expectations and trust in me.

I entered politics from a young age. I entered politics in 048 BS, served as the VDC Chairman in 049 and 054 BS, and have been continuously engaging with the public. I am confident that the people of Jumla will do justice to me this time and give me the opportunity to lead Jumla. Considering all aspects, it seems certain that Congress will win in Jumla this time. Our colleagues are active in every neighborhood and ward. Looking at the enthusiasm and turnout of the voters, I estimate that we will win by a large margin.

•  Which party is the main competitor for Congress in Jumla?

Everyone who enters the electoral arena is a competitor. I am a person who believes in practical politics. It is democracy; everyone on the campaign trail is a competitor. Looking at the proportional votes, UML has a significant vote share, but the people want change now. Due to Congress's new leadership and my long history in politics and social service, the people of Jumla will choose me. Furthermore, the people of Jumla have always stood for change. As you know, they do not re-elect the same Member of Parliament here.

•  But they say there are factional problems within Jumla Congress? How much fear of sabotage is there?

There is nothing like that. In Jumla, all Congress leaders, from the senior leadership to the well-wishers, are united. There is no situation where votes will go astray or sabotage will occur anywhere. Everyone is enthusiastically engaged in the election campaign.

•  Why should the people of Jumla vote for you? What are your agendas?

The development and prosperity of Jumla is everyone's agenda. Parties or candidates elected from here previously claim, 'I brought development.' The job of almost all elected representatives is to serve the people and solve the district's problems; they probably did that, but Jumla has not progressed as it should have.

Jumla has four regions—Sinja, Chhaudabisa, Panse, and Assi. Each of these regions has its own problems. I have closely observed those problems and I have a clear plan to solve them. Other parties and leaders have failed in building Jumla; now Congress will lead Jumla.