Progressive Democratic Party Candidate Manarishi Dhital Confident of Victory in Jumla Election

Surkhet. Manarishi Dhital is a candidate from the Progressive Democratic Party (PrloPa) in Jumla. He wanted to be a candidate in the 079 elections as well, but Goma Gautam was nominated at the last moment. Currently, Dhital is not part of the unification with Prachanda's party but is with the PrloPa led by Janardan Sharma.

Dhital, who is also a war journalist, is a leader known in intellectual circles. Here is a short election-focused conversation with him:

• A person who dedicated sweat to the Maoist party is now contesting from his home district Jumla through PrloPa; what kind of preparations are underway?

Election preparations are moving forward rapidly. After filing the candidacy, I completed initial introductory meetings in six out of the eight local levels; only two remain. Our contact persons have been deployed in 60 wards. Although I was away for a long time, I have entered the electoral arena with the mindset that I must now serve Jumla.

• What kind of public response are you receiving?

The public shows enthusiasm towards me. I have emerged as a new alternative for the people who have only seen old parties and faces until now. The people of Jumla desire change in education, health, and development. Since I have worked with youth and communities for a long time, they have shown trust in me. The public is fed up with the old leadership and is in the mood to vote for new ideas and vigor this time. Jumla is looking for me.

• Your former colleagues like Naresh Bhandari, Gyanendra Shahi, and other candidates are in the election field in Jumla. Your party organization is also not established there, yet you contested the election?

Competition is a good thing in a democracy. The public should now look at agendas and working styles rather than just individuals. Old candidates have received opportunities time and again, but Jumla's situation remains the same. My main foundation is my closeness to the youth of Jumla and their fundamental problems.

I have come with the objective of representing the people to change the governance and bring a new model of development. I am confident of winning because the people are seeking a different and new alternative this time.

• The party was just formed, and there is no organization. Won't this cause difficulties?

Yes, our organization is not yet fully expanded. Our party is a force born recently from the youth movement. Although we do not have an organization of the old mold, we have experienced colleagues who have worked in political and social sectors for 30 years. We are building a new and different organizational structure.

There is also dissatisfaction within the organizations of the so-called major parties right now. We will know who the real competition is after the election. Until now, the work done has been to establish only individual personalities in Kathmandu based on the mandate of the people of Jumla; there is a narrative that strongmen are the liberators here. When a figure like me enters that space, I sense a feeling among the people that not just strongmen, but simple people can also be our leaders.

Especially, a large segment of voters who are disappointed with the new generation and the old parties are connected with us.

• Other candidates, including your former colleagues, portray you as a weak candidate?

No, that is their undemocratic and narrow-minded thinking. In a democracy, no one can claim, 'This vote is mine alone.' We have come not to cut anyone's votes, but to win the trust of the people. We have the right to contest the election with our own agenda. Whom to choose is entirely up to the discretion of the people. We are in the field with the goal of winning. Jumla, as you know, is a district where the Member of Parliament is not re-elected. I could be that alternative. PrloPa can be an option for the people.