Former Energy Minister Kulman Ghising Campaigns Door-to-Door in Kathmandu-3 Amid Enthusiastic Support

Kathmandu. On Sunday morning at 8 AM, a Bolero jeep stopped near the Chhahari Club in Bensigaun, Gokarneshwor Municipality-8, falling under Kathmandu Constituency No. 3. A song was blaring from inside the Bolero:

'Strong in national development, beloved by all
Son of Nepali mother
Making the nation load-shedding free
Terminating contracts of non-performers
Kulman Ghising has arrived'

The song clearly indicated that Kulman Ghising was coming. Ghising, the chairman of the Ujyalo Nepal Party and former Energy Minister, is a candidate in Kathmandu-3. He arrived at the Bensigaun Chhahari Club slightly later than scheduled, where Ujyalo Nepal Party cadres had been waiting for him for an hour.

Until Kulman arrived, they were having tea and snacks at a nearby tea stall, while some were making announcements via microphone, saying Kulman Ghising would arrive soon. Some cadres were busy arranging sample ballot papers and Kulman's commitment letter for the voters.

As Kulman arrived, everyone gathered in one place. Kulman had no time to linger. Preparations were made to leave the Bensigaun Chhahari Club for the door-to-door campaign. Local leaders and cadres of the Ujyalo Nepal Party garlanded Kulman.

After performing an 'auspicious start' with the Ujyalo Nepal election symbol, the lamp (Chhim), placed near the club, Kulman's team set off. From there, Kulman started soliciting votes from voters at a nearby shop. About 20 to 25 leaders and cadres accompanied him on the door-to-door canvassing. After some time, the number of participants increased. Kulman went around with folded hands saying, 'Namaskar hai Namaskar, vote for the lamp this time' while seeking votes.

Local leaders and cadres of the Ujyalo Nepal Party distributed Kulman's election commitment letter and sample ballot papers. While distributing the sample papers, a different message was heard compared to other parties. Other parties ask for votes for both the first-past-the-post and proportional representation symbols on the same ballot. However, Ujyalo Nepal has to ask for votes on two symbols. They were telling voters: 'We have two election symbols. The lamp (Chhim) and the flute (Bansuri). The lamp symbol is not in the proportional representation. We did not get it. Vote for the flute in proportional representation. Please do not forget.'

Enthusiastic cadres accompanying Kulman would occasionally chant slogans: 'Kulman Ghising..., What are we asking votes for?'

There was a crowd of people eager to see Kulman and take photos during his door-to-door campaign. Many people on motorcycles stopped on the road to shake hands and assure him of their votes this time. Some people who heard Kulman was coming were found waiting for up to two hours.

Kulman's local leaders and cadres guided him forward, introducing him to the voters. Voters in Kathmandu-3 were seen waving their hands from balconies and rooftops, assuring their support to the candidate Kulman who came to seek votes during the door-to-door campaign.

One voter said, 'Best wishes to you. There is talk of changing the vote in Kathmandu-3 this time. We were waiting for two hours to meet Kulman. Rest assured. We will vote for you.'

Complaining that those they voted for in the past did not work, the voter expressed confidence that Kulman Ghising would work. 'Kulman's past work is visible. There is confidence that he will work in Kathmandu-3. We tell everyone that Kulman must be elected by giving him our vote.'

During the door-to-door campaign, a female voter called Kulman the pride of the nation and made everyone chant slogans. 'I don't know Kulman's party. I only know Kulman as a person. Since Kulman removed load-shedding in the country, the people of Kathmandu-3 must elect him,' the voter said.

During the door-to-door campaign, voters did not ask Kulman any questions. Ordinary people watched him and took photos upon meeting him. During this time, Kulman would say, 'Please vote for me, I have come to ask for your vote.'

In many places, voters did not seem to seek the candidate's commitment, plans, or agenda. More assurances of votes were given to Kulman than questions asked.

Kulman stated that he is confident of winning the election based on the assurances from the voters. Speaking to Ratopati, he said, 'I have the support of the voters in Kathmandu-3. I am a person who has delivered results. I trust that the people will support someone who works.' He claimed that the Ujyalo Nepal Party is the only alternative to the old parties and expressed confidence in winning not just in Kathmandu-3 but across the entire country.