CPN-UML Faces Potential Setbacks in Koshi Province After Previous Dominance

Biratnagar. In previous elections, CPN-UML used to dominate the Koshi Province. In the last election in 2079 BS, CPN-UML won 13 out of the 28 constituencies in the Koshi Province.

At that time, CPN-UML swept Taplejung, Panchthar, and both constituencies in Ilam. They won constituencies 2, 4, and 5 in Jhapa. They were victorious in constituency 2 in Morang, and constituencies 2 and 3 in Sunsari. Similarly, CPN-UML candidates were victorious in Dhankuta and Solukhumbu constituencies. Overall, CPN-UML secured victories in 13 constituencies across the province.

This time, CPN-UML has won 1 constituency nationwide and is leading in 10 others. Among these, 3 constituencies are from Koshi. In Taplejung, which they won previously, CPN-UML's Khitij Thebe is currently leading, followed by Congress's Gajendra Prasad Tumyang. In Ilam 2, CPN-UML's Suhang Nemwang is leading, pursued by Sudip Rai of the Shram Sanskriti Party. CPN-UML had also won Ilam 2 previously. In Dhankuta, CPN-UML's Rajendra Rai is leading, also being chased by San Bahadur Rai of the Shram Sanskriti Party. Rajendra Rai had won consecutively twice before in Dhankuta.

CPN-UML appears likely to lose the 3 seats they previously won in Jhapa, 1 in Morang, 2 in Sunsari, as well as seats in Bhojpur, Udaipur 2, and Panchthar. Initial vote counts from Sankhuwasabha are yet to arrive. Furthermore, CPN-UML is trailing significantly in Solukhumbu, which they had won previously.

On the other hand, Congress is trailing in Morang constituencies 3 and 6, and Udaipur 1, which they had won in the past. Congress is leading in Solukhumbu and Okhaldhunga. The current CPN (Unified Socialist), formed by the merger of the then CPN (Maoist Centre) and several other parties, seems unlikely to retain its previous tally of 3 seats.

Among the three constituencies whose results have been announced so far, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has won Morang 4 and 5 through Santosh Rajbanshi and Asha Jha, respectively. Previously, Amanlal Modi of CPN had won Morang 4, and independent candidate Yogendra Mandal had won Morang 5. Meanwhile, Congress has retained its legacy in Tehrathum, with Santosh Subba emerging victorious. Previously, Sita Gurung of Congress was elected from there.

Harkaraj Rai's Shram Sanskriti Party is leading in Panchthar, Bhojpur, Khotang, and Ilam 1. RSP is leading in 5 in Jhapa, 6 in Morang, 4 in Sunsari, and 2 in Udaipur, totaling 17 constituencies where they are ahead. RPP, which won 1 constituency previously, seems set to lose Jhapa constituency 3 as well.