Election Showdown in Surkhet-1: CPN-UML Candidate Dhruv Kumar Shahi Claims Advantage After Key Rival Steps Aside

Surkhet. In Surkhet-1, where a 'heavyweight' clash was anticipated in the House of Representatives election, former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Purnabahadur Khadka has stepped down from the electoral arena this time. Following the special general convention, he stated he would not contest the election, citing moral reasons after the issue of Nepali Congress official recognition entered the court.

However, Khadka, who has been contesting elections continuously since '048 BS, holds a strong influence in that constituency. Although Khadka is not in the fray this time, his brother, Bishnu Kumar Khadka, is the candidate from the Nepali Congress with the objective of maintaining his elder brother's legacy.

Similarly, the CPN-UML has nominated Dhruv Kumar Shahi. Shahi is the same person who defeated the influential Purnabahadur in '074 BS. In that election, he was supported by the Maoists. In '079 BS, when there was an alliance between the Congress and Maoists, Purnabahadur took revenge for his defeat against Shahi. With Khadka stepping aside this time, Shahi has been claiming that winning the election will be easier for him. Tek Bahadur Singh, a former district vice-president of the Congress, is contesting from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in that constituency, while the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN) has nominated Jit Bahadur Rana.

During his election campaign, Shahi spoke with Ratopati when he arrived in Birendranagar. Presented below is the edited excerpt of the conversation with him:

• You are contesting again after being defeated previously, what is the public reaction?

—The nation is in a crisis right now. CPN-UML has established itself as the responsible party to deliver the nation from this crisis. Therefore, I am back in the electoral field as a candidate according to the party's decision.

• You won the election in '074 BS but lost in '079 BS. Why should voters trust you this time?

—Certainly, we have a basis for winning this time. Firstly, CPN-UML emerged as the responsible force when the country faced a crisis. Secondly, in terms of development and construction, CPN-UML appeared more responsible to the people than other parties. CPN-UML has pushed forward work in many infrastructure sectors. Given this, the people will elect me this time.

• The Congress is campaigning that Purnabahadur Khadka initiated most of the development in Constituency No. 1?

—That is incorrect. After winning the election in '074 BS, I initiated many development projects. This is also a basis for my victory now. Those projects are in the process of completion. But some people even laid the foundation stones claiming they initiated those projects; the public will not fall for such illusions.

We started many works at that time. But we lost the election in '079 BS. Due to the impact of the work we started in that first term, the public's trust has increased further now.

• Except for you, all other candidates are new; you are a leader tested by contesting elections twice. They say there is a wave for new faces now?

—I am not just 'tested'; I am a leader established from the grassroots level. I have always fought and struggled for the concerns of the people. I am still engaged in that now. Since the beginning of my political life, I have been working in favor of the people. Therefore, the term 'tested' doesn't apply. The people will trust us again.

• Your previous electoral competitor, Purnabahadur Khadka, is not in the field now. Whom do you consider your main competitor?

—Everyone who has entered the electoral arena is a competitor. But organizationally, the main competitor is the Nepali Congress. There are others too, but I don't think they are very close rivals.

• Purnabahadur's brother, Bishnu Khadka, is in the field claiming to maintain 'the elder brother's legacy.' Wouldn't that make it difficult for you?

—No, not at all. I will win the election. There is enthusiasm, trust, and confidence among the people.

• But the Congress, CPN, and RSP are all saying the same thing...?

—That might be what they say, but we are talking based on our voter base. In reality, we are dedicated to the upliftment and development of society. Therefore, what others say is their business; we have sufficient grounds to win the election.

• You say that, but it is also said that there are internal problems within UML in Surkhet-1?

—Internal party problems did cause some loss in the previous ('079 BS) election. Now, all those problems have been resolved. Furthermore, everyone nominated me unanimously during the candidate selection process, so there are no such issues now.

• Another point is that after winning the election in '074 BS, you reportedly spoke less than twice in parliament. Don't voters question why they should elect someone who doesn't speak in parliament?

—Look, talking achieves nothing. I am a person who works. Even without speaking much, I have done a lot of work in my constituency. If re-elected, we will move the country forward in the interest of national welfare. Currently, foreign interference is increasing. This is harming our nation.

We will focus on promoting national interests. Furthermore, we are ahead in addressing the livelihood issues of the people and taking the country towards prosperity.

(Note: Interviews with other competing candidates will be published sequentially)