CPN-UML Candidate in Chitwan-1 Discusses Campaign Strategy and Development Agenda

Chitwan Constituency No. 1 is a key area of interest in the House of Representatives election. Surendra Pandey, Vice Chairman of CPN-UML and former Finance Minister, is known as the representative of this constituency, but he did not receive the ticket this time. Instead, UML has fielded Dawa Lama Tamang in the electoral field.

We had a brief conversation with him regarding his election campaign, development agenda, voter psychology, and his relationship with Surendra Pandey.

• You are currently busy with the election campaign. As the candidate for CPN-UML in Chitwan Constituency No. 1, how is the campaign progressing?

We are fully immersed in the election campaign right now. Primarily, we are intensifying the door-to-door canvassing program. I am currently busy meeting voters directly, listening to their grievances, and presenting our commitments. Time is short, but our enthusiasm is high.

• Where have you been, and what kind of response have you received from the voters?

Yes, this constituency is quite large. I have already covered door-to-door visits in most wards, but the reality is that I haven't been able to reach every house in every ward. Therefore, we have also made some strategic changes. In places where door-to-door visits were not possible, we have planned to call for neighborhood gatherings, hold collective discussions, listen to their grievances, and present our views. My effort will remain to communicate directly with as many voters as possible.

• Looking at the national scene, there is some anger or criticism towards old parties, especially UML, on social media. But you are on the ground; what real feedback are you getting from the voters?

There is a big difference between social media and the ground reality. On social media, a certain group of people is actively engaged in spreading planned fake news and creating confusion. They are trying to build a negative narrative against UML and our candidates, but this has not affected the real voters on the ground. The people understand the difference between illusion and reality well.

The more I go among the people, the more enthusiastic I become. Listening to the voters' responses, I found that they have deep trust and affection for CPN-UML and me. Their message is clear: 'We know you, you are one of us from the door-to-door visits, we will vote for you.'

However, they also have a warning. They say, 'There should not be a tendency to not return to the village after winning. Don't just stay in Kathmandu like in the past.'

I have taken this suggestion to heart. Voters have openly raised issues regarding delays in development works and their local problems, such as road paving, drinking water, culverts, etc. These grievances are natural, and I have committed to addressing them.

• The main job of a House of Representatives member is lawmaking, but there is also an accusation that you are promising more on development works. How do you view the coordination between lawmaking and development works?

This is a very important question. Theoretically, the main job of a parliamentarian is policy and lawmaking. The role of a parliamentarian is crucial in maintaining good governance, controlling corruption, and creating pro-people laws. But in the context of Nepal, the basic needs of the people are still not met. Therefore, elected representatives cannot shy away from development work.

Even when making laws, we must formulate policies that benefit the lower strata, oppressed communities, and the poor. Policies that create employment opportunities within the country, protect national capital, and prevent youth from migrating abroad are necessary. Simultaneously, when I go among the people, they raise issues of direct concern like their local roads, irrigation, and embankments. It is my responsibility to take initiative to solve those problems. Therefore, I will take policy formulation and development work hand-in-hand. My plan is to improve the system through lawmaking and uplift the standard of living of the people through development works.

• Floods and wildlife conflict are old problems in Eastern Chitwan. What have you done in the past, and what are your future plans?

This area of Chitwan has faced major natural disasters in the past. Whether it was the floods of 2050 BS and 2059 BS or the earthquake of 2072 BS, CPN-UML and we, the representatives, stood with the people during every disaster. In the past, in this area which was at high risk of floods, embankments were constructed from Lothar to Sauraha through my and the party's initiative. Because of that, the people here can now feel safe and engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and business.

But the main problem now is the human-wildlife conflict. As the settlement is adjacent to the national park, animals like rhinos, elephants, wild boars, and spotted deer destroy crops and cause loss of life and property. The problem of animals eating the crops that farmers worked hard to grow just before harvest is severe. To solve this, I proposed the concept of a concrete wall back in 2074 BS. Now, the wall construction has been completed in many parts from Lothar to Badrini, and completing this work in the remaining areas is my priority. Making the people feel safe will be my first duty.

• This area was known in national politics as Surendra Pandey's constituency. He is not a candidate now. There are also discussions about him being sidelined and the possibility of internal sabotage within the party?

A lot of false narratives are being created in the market regarding this issue, which is untrue. Surendra Pandey is the Vice Chairman of our party and a respected leader. He has done many great things here as Finance Minister and Member of Parliament. We value his contribution.

During the candidate selection process, I personally called him and urged, 'Comrade, you must contest.' But he clearly instructed, 'I will not contest now; I am in Nepalgunj for party work. In the current situation, recommend whoever is popular and can win the election.'

He has voluntarily taken a break. He is now my election commander. He is mobilizing cadres by calling in various places. I have his full support. Yesterday, we carried him; today, he is carrying me. Therefore, there is no dispute within UML; we are united.

• What are your future plans for this area, especially regarding tourism and prosperity?

When I was a DDC member in 2054 BS, we created the master plan for Chitwan. My plan now is to make Chitwan the country's premier tourist destination. Currently, only Sauraha is a tourist center. Now, it must be expanded to connect Ratnanagar, Khairahani, and Rapti, including the hilly areas, with tourism. My plan is to build resorts and hill stations in the hills, modernize agriculture, and link production with tourism. I have a clear blueprint for building a prosperous and happy Chitwan.

• Who is your main competitor, and what do you see as the basis for your victory?

To be honest, I do not see any main competition for CPN-UML. UML is the first and strongest force here. Our organization, past work, and the trust of the people are the basis for our victory. We will come first and win by a wide margin.

The competition will only be for the second position. There might be a tough contest between the Nepali Congress, Rastriya Swatantra Party, or other parties for the second spot. But UML's victory is certain. The people are eager to vote for the 'Sun' symbol. I will never let that trust of the voters be broken.