Rastriya Swatantra Party Candidate Manish Jha Discusses Electoral Experience and Janakpur Development Agenda

The Ratopati 'Ground Zero' team has arrived in Janakpur for the upcoming elections. In this context, we spoke with Manish Jha, the candidate for the House of Representatives from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Dhanusha Constituency No. 3. 

Here is the edited excerpt of the conversation:

What is your first electoral experience like, and how is this journey of direct competition? What has been the reaction during door-to-door campaigning and personal meetings?

Initially, before starting door-to-door campaigning, we used to hold cluster meetings and group discussions in various localities. At that time, there were many discussions about comparative analysis, debates, and the manifesto. However, after the movement of '62-'63 (Bikram Sambat), many voters had not recognized or seen the candidates. Thus, the practice of showing one's face began.

But this has reduced the effectiveness of the candidates. The desire of the voters was limited to 'Will the candidate come to my place or not?' As a result, the candidate's background, ideology, plans, or capabilities were overshadowed. Things like 'Did he come to my house, did he answer my call' started taking priority.

A positive aspect of this is that people's interest in politics has increased. Previously, people wouldn't even open their doors, but now there has been a change where they come to the doorstep saying, 'Let's see who it is,' and even return the greeting.

It is reported that voters have also started questioning the candidates?

Yes, they have started asking questions. This is a pleasant aspect. But simultaneously, dissatisfaction with politics is widespread among people. I am a candidate in a direct election for the first time. However, voters vent their anger towards those who have been contesting elections seven times onto me.

Let me give an example. I went to a village in Dhanusha 3. Upon arriving there, without introducing myself, I asked, 'Who are you thinking of voting for this time?' They suddenly became angry and confronted me. But after 5 minutes, I realized their anger was directed at the general practice: 'We won't vote for anyone who comes asking for votes except for the Bell (Ghanti).' Hearing this, I felt amused, and only then did I reveal that I was the candidate for the Bell and showed my pamphlet. Such amusing incidents also happen. But overall, there is a lot of anger and disgust towards political parties and leaders among the people.

What are your main election agendas?

I have many agendas. One hundred points have been extracted from the center, and I have personally prepared 15 points. My first priority is to commercialize agriculture. It is necessary to transform the current subsistence agriculture into sustainable and growth-oriented farming. I have a plan to enrich the farmers.

Secondly, there is the rail connectivity between Janakpur and the Indian border at Jayanagar. Currently, only people travel by train. If freight bogies are added, Indian goods will come directly to Janakpur, which will reduce transportation costs and make goods cheaper. This will help trade for both Nepal and India.

Thirdly, the listing of Janaki Temple in the World Heritage List. For this, attention must be paid not only to political slogans but also to its practical indicators. How much parking space is there around the temple? How many buildings are taller than the temple? We have not paid attention to such things. We must manage this. It is heard that the marbles inside the temple are cracking and duplicate marbles are being used. An investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is also pending on this. This must be addressed.

Fourthly, a subject that interests me is the 'Guthi' (community trust) system. Just as Guthi has preserved culture in Kathmandu, the 'Kuti' (hermitage) culture should be given importance in Janakpur. In the 17th century, King Indra Vidhata Sen of the Sen Kingdom donated 1400 Bighas of land to conserve the 72 ponds and 52 Kutis here. But nowadays, those Kutis are in disarray.

Therefore, proper management, documentation, and street mapping of the Kutis must be done. Just as Pokhara has street numbers, a similar system can be implemented in Janakpur. We have already prepared for mapping using 5,000 Google Maps.

Fifthly, Janakpur has 72 ponds, but water does not reach the taps. This is because we have not conserved the ponds. Due to the uncleanliness of the ponds, water recharge is not happening. Therefore, cleaning and conserving the ponds is essential.

Sixthly, the problem of drug abuse is increasing due to the open border. Youth have money to spend, but they lack a plan to invest it in the right place. Therefore, to keep the youth away from drugs, attraction towards things like gym clubs and sports clubs should be increased. Institutions like the Janak Leadership Academy can be established.

It seems that many of the issues you raised are not being addressed by your competing candidates?

Yes, most candidates only talk about bridges and roads when discussing development. But many are unaware of the geographical and environmental conditions here. For example, the relationship between urbanization and river flow. As the water in the river dries up, the problem of cold waves in the city is increasing. This also affects air traffic. Temperatures have risen due to the cutting down of trees. No one is paying attention to such issues.

Another point is youth employment. My belief is that emphasis should be placed on self-employment, and youth going abroad should only be sent after being taught skills.

The things you mentioned are good, but how feasible is the aspect of mobilizing resources and implementation?

We must understand the ground reality and also know the process inside Singha Durbar (the seat of government). I know well who to approach for work to get done, who to approach for budget allocation, and how to present proposals.

For instance, Janakpur is the city of Ram-Janaki, but there is no library here to study the Ramayana. Therefore, I have facilitated the allocation of a 3 crore budget for a Ramayana library. Similarly, 17 Bighas of land have been transferred for the Ram-Janaki International Multi-purpose Stadium.

A budget of 3 crores has been allocated for the construction of its parking, toilets, and dressing rooms. Work has also begun for Kuti conservation. I have moved all these matters forward through legal and procedural means.

How likely do you see the possibility of any challenge or attack on you from opposing candidates?

Such things are normal in politics. I am mentally prepared. During the election, the media might ask tough questions, opponents might try character assassination, or there might be attempts to incite voters. But I will not be surprised. As our party's Vice Chairman, Swarnim Wagle Dai, said, such incidents are not happening for the first time in the world, but they are happening for the first time in your life. Therefore, I am ready to face all these things. I know how much money is spent in elections, what kind of tendencies are seen, and I have also thought about how to manage them.