Election Ground Zero: Bhaktapur-2 Sees Intense Campaigning and Voter Sentiment

Kathmandu. Among the constituencies across the country where the outcome of this election, who will win, and who is strong are being closely watched, Bhaktapur Constituency Number 2 stands out. Among the candidates here, CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet is considered strong. This is an area that draws significant interest not only from local voters but also from outsiders. People have their own speculations about this constituency, and there is considerable public interest and discussion surrounding the candidates. Door-to-door campaigning by candidates from various parties is currently underway here.

On Wednesday morning around 7 AM, CPN-UML cadres gathered at the Ganesh Temple in Suryabinayak Municipality Ward Number 8. Preparations for the door-to-door campaign were underway. We were also present there. Voters were waving from their balconies and rooftops as the UML's election campaign moved below. Candidate Basnet was striving hard to secure a second victory this time. After a short while, Basnet arrived, and after being garlanded and receiving a tika, his team moved forward.

The scene suggested that he was celebrating a victory rather than campaigning for votes. Basnet gave a brief speech, turning it into a small gathering, and set off with the auspicious symbol of the Sun. His team, consisting of over a hundred people, moved forward, carrying banners, promotional materials, and playing party songs.

His door-to-door campaign, which started from Ganesh Temple, focused more on greeting people from the street than on direct meetings with voters. The team reached the Parivartan Tole, where Basnet was welcomed with the symbol of the Sun.

Candidate Basnet stated during the door-to-door campaign that the goodwill shown by the people of Bhaktapur towards him is a strong basis for his victory. He claimed his victory was certain because he has been continuously engaged in the development of Bhaktapur, whether he was in office or not.

Voters, who offered him garlands and yogurt, urged him to bring a flood of development to this constituency. Basnet, in turn, requested votes to ensure his victory. He expressed his commitment to carrying out the necessary development in this area.

Enthusiastic cadres chanted slogans like 'What Bhaktapur sought, what the people chose' from time to time. Party songs kept playing.

The campaign entered Sipadol Tole. Voters were lined up to welcome Basnet there. An elderly woman garlanded him, hugged him, and said, 'You have returned safely, son.' Wiping away tears, she added, 'Son, you must win, we will vote for you.' Basnet's team fell silent for a moment.

Most people welcoming Basnet mentioned the burning of his house on Bhadra 24, offering solace and showing affection.

In that crowd, a 60-year-old woman also hugged Basnet and gave him her blessings. While wishing him victory, she expressed sympathy over the burning of his house.

And Basnet replied, 'Don't worry, mother, we will rise again. You all vote for me and ensure my victory.'

Basnet was defeated by Rameshwar Dhungel in the 2070 election. However, in 2074, he was elected after defeating Damanath Dhungana, the candidate from the Nepali Congress. But in the 2079 election, he was again defeated by Nepali Congress's Durlabh Thapa. Thapa was elected with 24,238 votes, while Basnet received 23,279 votes.

The campaign reached Dol Gaun, where Basnet went to meet a 91-year-old man to ask for his vote. Upon seeing him, the elderly man shed tears. He said, 'They burned your house during the movement, son. You have built and preserved roads, bridges, and heritage in Bhaktapur. You will receive the reward for what you have done. Victory is certain.'

We asked an 81-year-old man here, 'Are you here because Mahesh Basnet came to ask for votes?' He replied, 'I like Basnet, so I will vote for the Sun symbol.'

He didn't stop there, adding, 'Mahesh Basnet is a development-oriented leader of Bhaktapur. He has developed roads, bridges, and heritage. He is fearless.'

During the door-to-door campaign, Basnet also faced some questions from voters. In this context, a woman asked, 'Will you only be around during election time? Will you come back after winning? The one who won before hasn't visited the neighborhood since.'

She demanded that Basnet solve the problems of drinking water and roads visible in Suryavinayak-8, Bhaktapur. Basnet moved on, stating he was ready to solve all problems.

In the same location, we asked a young voter, 'Do you have any questions or expectations for Basnet?' He said that the public has many questions for leaders. 'He has many questions too. But amidst the questions, Basnet is needed in Bhaktapur-2. Everyone must vote to remove the problems of floods, drainage, drinking water seen in Bhaktapur-2 and create employment in agriculture,' he said.

Candidate Basnet stated during the door-to-door campaign that the goodwill shown by the people of Bhaktapur towards him is a strong basis for his victory. He claimed his victory was certain because he has been continuously engaged in the development of Bhaktapur, whether he was in office or not.

'I have been continuously engaged in the development of Bhaktapur even without holding office. I have come before the voters to be a servant. I am confident that the people of Bhaktapur will vote for me based on the development work I have done,' he appeared committed.

He claimed he is capable of doing the work demanded by the people, such as drinking water, drainage, and road blacktopping.

Previously, Basnet was defeated by Rameshwar Dhungel in the 2070 election. However, in 2074, he was elected after defeating Damanath Dhungana, the candidate from the Nepali Congress. But in the 2079 election, he was again defeated by Nepali Congress's Durlabh Thapa. Thapa was elected with 24,238 votes, while Basnet received 23,279 votes.

In this election, besides Basnet, Kabir Rana (journalist) from the Nepali Congress, Rajiv Khatri (journalist) from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Ramprasad Sapkota (Deepshikha) from the Communist Party of Nepal, and Janmadev Jaisi from the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party are competing.