Rastriya Swatantra Party Candidate Claims Strong Momentum in Surkhet-2 Election Race

Surkhet. In Surkhet-2, where electoral competition has historically been between older parties, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has created a formidable election atmosphere this time.

Ramesh Kumar Sapkotta is the candidate from RSP. Sapkotta, once a leader in the Nepali Congress, joined RSP after expressing dissatisfaction with that party. He is currently the district chairman of RSP. He also serves as the chairman of Kankrebihar Yatayat Pvt. Ltd., Surkhet, and claimed that a wave of public support is surging for RSP. 

Sapkotta, who was campaigning door-to-door in Mangalgadhi, Birendranagar, on Sunday morning, had a brief election interview with Ratopati. Here is an excerpt from the conversation Ratopati correspondent Pankha Bahadur Shahi had with him:

• How is the election campaign going? 

— It is going very well; there is enthusiasm and goodwill from everyone.

• How many wards have you covered in the door-to-door campaign so far? 

— We have already visited everywhere once. Today we are going to Ward No. 6 of Birendranagar. Some parts of 3-4 other wards are remaining. It will be finished in a few more days.

• What are RSP's election agendas in Surkhet-2? Some say RSP is asking for votes by only highlighting Balen and Rabi without specific agendas? 

— I have sent my election manifesto for printing today; I will tell you after that!

• Can you briefly tell us what is in it? 

— We are focusing on small things rather than big ones. These include basic needs the public requires, such as roads and paths, drainage management for the Birendranagar valley, and flood control. The plan to lift water from the Bheri River for drinking water in the capital, Birendranagar, is coming, and we will certainly be proactive in speeding it up. In the west, there is a special focus on agricultural revolution and irrigation projects. Furthermore, there is no electricity in the west; the old parties failed to electrify it even after 36 years.

I have only quoted basic necessities for human life such as health, education, electricity, and water for now; I haven't promised very big dreams, okay?

• It seems the older parties are not giving much importance to RSP; what ground reality have you observed? 

— The understanding of the competitors outside might be one thing, but a fire is smoldering underneath. The friends in the old political parties have not accepted or believed this fact. The votes cast in the ballot boxes on the 21st will inform them properly.

• So, will the bell ring in number 2? 

— It will ring; just wait and see.

• If so, what is your estimate of the votes you will receive? 

— Understand that we will come in first place.

• Haven't you calculated the numbers? 

— My estimate is that around 80-85 thousand votes will be cast in total. Out of that, I might get around 40 thousand.

• However, some say RSP is a party that emerged from urban votes and cannot secure votes in rural areas? 

— The level of public awareness has increased significantly. There is even more enthusiasm in the west than in Birendranagar. The message this election sends is that the west is no less than Birendranagar.

• Some people in the market are saying that since you are a former Nepali Congress leader, you might cut some Congress votes, but otherwise, it will be difficult? 

— No, I will get votes from everyone; I will get the people's votes. Watch and see, the most votes from Birendranagar will go to UML; votes from the west will come from all parties, and I will win.

• You said that with full 'confidence'; what is the basis for that? 

— The basis for winning is the disillusionment spread by these old parties until now! Secondly, there is no alternative to RSP.

• Finally, what do you want to tell the voters of Constituency Number 2 through Ratopati? 

— To the respected voters residing abroad and overseas, if you can, please return home to cast your vote. If that is not possible, please call home and request them to vote for the bell symbol of RSP. Vote for the bell for the change of the country. Give us 5 years to see; if we cannot deliver, we can discuss the subsequent matters later.