CPN-UML Candidate Kulmani Devkota Confident of Victory in Surkhet-2, Cites Party Strength and Public Trust

Surkhet. CPN-UML's candidate in Surkhet-2 is Kulmani Devkota. Devkota, who is also the Chairman of UML Surkhet, has experience serving as the chairman of the Surkhet Valley Drinking Water Corporation, besides contesting a ward chairman election in the 2050s. Devkota, a confidant of UML Secretary and Karnali Chief Minister Yamalal Kandel, is intensifying his election campaign.

Chief Minister Kandel himself attends Devkota's election programs in Birendranagar. Kandel has been making sharp remarks against the new political parties RSP and Congress.

Devkota considers his organizational status as the basis for winning the election. Pankhabahadur Shahi of Ratopati had a brief election interview with Devkota. Here is an excerpt from the conversation with UML candidate Devkota:

• What kind of response are you receiving from the public towards UML?

— The response on the ground is extremely positive. The public has expressed some hopes, expectations, and also some disappointments. By disappointment, I mean the country has gone through repeated conflicts. And the country is in a very difficult situation to emerge from these conflicts. There is a concern and interest among the public that similar conflicts might push the country backward again. This has created a sense of disappointment. On the other hand, there is the issue of service delivery.

Questions are being raised about good governance. The public is demanding accountability. And the current service delivery mechanisms are not being people-friendly, according to the general sentiment. In my understanding too, some improvements are necessary. These are some of the issues.

• Why should the voters of Surkhet-2 vote for you?

— The public will choose UML because it represents the thoughts and feelings of the people in this constituency and because UML will lead in fulfilling the development and prosperity goals for this area. I have also done many social works in the past, including with the Red Cross.

I struggled for a long time to solve the drinking water problem in Birendranagar. Now, work is underway to bring water from the Bheri River via a lift system. Many other works have been done under the leadership of UML, and UML will complete them.

• How optimistic are you about winning the election?

— If UML doesn't win in a place like Surkhet, who will?

• What is the basis for winning the election then?

— The basis for winning the election is the trust of the people and the organizational capability and strength of the party. As a representative figure who has been working closely with the public sentiment for a long time, even in adverse conditions, I have gained the trust of the people. The public is giving me support, enthusiastic good wishes, and blessings with confidence. The response is positive. And, all UML organizations are actively united. Based on this, UML has the capacity, strength, and plan to overcome the current adversity. The public believes that its candidate can represent this. Therefore, victory is achievable.

• So, which force does UML consider its competitor in Surkhet-2?

— Organizationally, the Congress party is our main competitor here.