Ujyalo Nepal Candidate Jitram Lama Discusses Bhaktapur-2 Race, Split from RSP, and Future Vision

Jitram Lama is contesting as a direct candidate from the Ujyalo Nepal Party in the upcoming election on Falgun 21 in Bhaktapur Constituency No. 2. Lama, who has a long history of working in the social sector and in the central leadership of the Non-Governmental Organizations Federation, is now in the electoral arena representing the Ujyalo Nepal Party led by Kulman Ghising.

An interview conducted by Anis Mijar for Ratopati regarding the electoral atmosphere in Bhaktapur-2, the competition with rival parties, the failed alliance with RSP, and his future plans.

• You are in the election atmosphere; Bhaktapur-2 is a highly competitive constituency. What kind of challenges are you facing?

– Challenges exist in every constituency, but our ability to transform challenges into opportunities and our management style have made things easier for us. Upon reaching every ward and settlement in Bhaktapur, we have received immense love and support from the voters.

We are not an old political party; we are the newest party. Therefore, we do not need to keep explaining the mistakes of old parties.

Furthermore, our party is led by Kulman Ghising, who has already proven his competence through his work. Because of this, the public is very enthusiastic.

• In Bhaktapur-2, Nepali Congress has historically won, and there is an assessment that familiar faces win here. What was the public's psychological perception when you, without much political limelight, entered the fray?

– The voters in Bhaktapur-2 are very conscious. Since 2064 BS, no single party or candidate has won here twice in a row. The public always seeks change. There is extreme disillusionment and anger among the people towards the old parties. The youth are forced to go abroad, and unemployment and corruption are at their peak.

Our party, Ujyalo Nepal, is a party capable of spreading light and delivering results. Kulman Ghising is a brand. The party itself is a brand. The public is confident that we must bring light not just from electricity, but also light in the form of good governance, prosperity, and against corruption.

• Bhaktapur-2 is also known as the influence area of UML leader Mahesh Basnet. How do you perceive your candidacy there—easy or difficult?

– It is very easy for us. We oppose a style of politics that involves abusing, belittling, or pointing out the shortcomings of any political force or individual to advance ourselves.

We aim to establish ourselves through our agenda and win the hearts of the people through politics. Whether it was Mahesh Basnet yesterday, Kabir Rana, or Rajeev Khatri, it does not affect us. We want to be known as Jitram Lama and Ujyalo Nepal.

• What is the reason the people of Bhaktapur-2 should vote for Jitram Lama instead of others?

– Firstly, we believe in work and results, not just speeches. I am a local resident of Bhaktapur. I have been working in the social sector for a long time. I have experience working across Nepal as the central chairman of the Non-Governmental Organizations Federation. Educationally, I have Master's degrees in two subjects and am pursuing a PhD in Disaster Management.

We have a clear commitment to move forward by linking Bhaktapur's art, culture, and heritage with tourism and sustainable entrepreneurship. The public is no longer looking for people who just talk; they are looking for capable individuals who can go to parliament, make laws to ensure good governance, and deliver results. We are that alternative.

• You were united with RSP for 12 days and then separated to contest the election as Ujyalo Nepal Party again. Do you feel that merging with RSP was a mistake?

– There is no feeling that such a mistake was made. This is a process of doing and learning. The public suggested that all new forces should unite to challenge the old political forces. Based on that, we hastily moved to unite. However, once inside, there was a mismatch in working style, methodology, and vision.

We insisted on being clear immediately regarding the core spirit of the constitution, federalism, secularism, republicanism, and social inclusion. Perhaps they did not wish to clarify that. After that, we decided to separate in a cordial atmosphere without any complaints.

• The wave for RSP seems strong; didn't separating at such a time cause a loss for you?

– We have no loss. We might have been confused for 12-14 days, but now we are moving forward at full speed. There is also a massive public wave in our favor. In fact, many people are happy that we separated. This is because there was a situation where we would have had to answer for controversial issues there (in RSP). They will have to answer for issues like fraud cases. Why should we carry the burden of those wrongdoings? We are on our clear path.  

• You have entered politics. If you are defeated in this election, will you remain in politics, or do you have a Plan B?

– We have come with the resolve to advance the Ujyalo Nepal Party as a strong political party. We have come carrying the agenda of social justice, good governance, and prosperity. Winning or losing this election is not a big deal. This election is also a campaign for organizational building for us.

We have not come just for momentary gains. This is a long-distance race. We have complete faith that Ujyalo Nepal will be established as an important political force in Nepal in the coming days, and we will win the hearts of the people.