CPN-UML Candidate Expresses Confidence in Reclaiming Former Electoral Glory in Jumla

Surkhet. The CPN-UML faces pressure in Jumla to reclaim its former electoral legacy in the upcoming elections. This time, the UML has nominated Shantilal Mahat as its candidate from Jumla.

Mahat claims he will win the election despite the polarization between new and old parties. Below is an excerpt from the interview with him:

• The UML has already started its election campaign in Jumla; what kind of response have you received?

We are still in the campaign phase. Meetings at the municipal level are ongoing. Voters have given a good response.

• The UML's 'Sun' (symbol) has not risen in Jumla since the 1960s (Bikram Sambat era); what is the possibility this time?

The campaign is progressing with great enthusiasm. Leaders and cadres are working hard to bring back the legacy of 056 BS. Whatever shortcomings we had internally, we have set aside internal party disputes and the party is moving forward unitedly. In that sense, we are on a positive track. In terms of proportional representation votes in the 079 election, UML was the largest party in Jumla. We are committed to moving forward by correcting shortcomings in the coming days. Therefore, we believe we will restore the legacy of 056 BS.

• What is the basis for that?

Our organizations are the primary basis. We have organizations in all 60 wards. We have organizations in every locality. Previously, we had taken 'Mission 084' as a campaign.

Our party is moving forward unitedly. Leaders from the Samajwadi party who left have returned home. In that sense, the UML has become very strong, a unified UML. When the UML was in government before this, policy decisions were made for the welfare of the common Nepali people. The public benefited from those decisions. In the 26-year interval since 056 BS, many representatives have been elected from here, but hardly any significant work has been done.

The people of Jumla have no history of electing the same Member of Parliament twice. Since the tradition in Jumla is to give opportunities to new candidates, and because UML is a strong party capable of solving the people's problems, the 'Sun' will rise in Jumla this time.

Our party is the one that speaks in favor of nationalism. Furthermore, I, as a candidate, am a person without any social, economic, or cultural blemishes. Since I became a candidate, the voters here are very excited. We have received a grand welcome during door-to-door campaigning in villages. For these reasons, the UML will win.

• Which parties are the main competitors for the UML?

The competition is essentially among the three (CPN-UML, Congress, CPN-Maoist Centre). The 'Fandabaj' (Gyanendra Shahi) has also returned. He deceived the people of Jumla in the previous election. He campaigned with the slogan of marketing local products to boost the local economy and livelihood.

However, because of his act of speaking in favor of the King, betraying the mandate of the people of Jumla, the people of Jumla are now very displeased with him. Nevertheless, there is a group of people who benefited from him in the past, so the competition will likely be among the four.

• You mentioned that the UML is united now, but there are reports of major internal problems, which others might exploit?

No, that is absolutely not the case. All UML comrades have come to Jumla. We are moving forward together. We have taken on our respective responsibilities. Everyone feels that this election is a 'matter of life and death' for the UML. Since this is a 'matter of life and death' not just for UML in Jumla, but for the entire nation, we are working together in unity.