Harkaraj Sampang Rai: From Local Activist to National Politician After Winning Parliamentary Seat

Sunsari. Harkaraj Sampang Rai, known as a leader who personally engages in labor while running sanitation and water source improvement campaigns in Dharan's roads and rivers, has now transitioned his political journey from local leadership to national politics.

Rai, who has consistently been a figure of discussion in Nepali political circles since being elected as the Mayor of Dharan Metropolitan City, recently won the House of Representatives election from Sunsari Constituency No. 1, securing 35,741 votes.

In the local elections of BS 2079, he was elected as the Mayor of Dharan Metropolitan City as an independent candidate using the 'Lathi' (Cane) election symbol. Due to his simple lifestyle, candid speaking, and labor-donation campaigns for development, Rai gained prominence in a short time.

After becoming the Mayor, he practiced a different approach than traditional political styles. He prioritized labor donation campaigns over expensive formalities. He personally carried stones, cleaned drains, and worked at water sources. To solve Dharan's long-term water supply problem, he spent months laboring alongside the public in the campaign to bring water from the Kokaha River.

His style of direct communication via social media, development based on citizen participation, and openly raising his voice against corruption established him among his supporters as a 'leader risen from a campaign.' Critics of his working style have been equally active. The debate between supporters and critics keeps him continuously at the center of public attention.

Rai's social and political activism began even before he became Mayor. Around BS 2068, he was active in protests against tax hikes and various irregularities in Dharan. Later, he became involved with the Public Concern Forum and led protests. He gained local recognition by leading the campaign with the slogan "Give Water, Give Water" concerning Dharan's old water problem. He was once arrested on charges of vandalizing pipes during an inspection of a water source. He was released a few days later.

Hark Sampang protested to stop illegal stone and gravel excavation by going to the river. He served as the co-coordinator in the struggle committee protesting the demolition of houses during the expansion of the Madan Bhandari Highway. Furthermore, he was raising his voice on issues ranging from border encroachment to health service improvement. These activities established him as an active local activist. Rai, who also has an interest in music, released an album titled 'Missing Heart' a few years ago. Even today, his style of occasionally playing the guitar and using songs for political satire gives him a distinct identity. On social media, he is famous under the name "Hark Sampang Revolution."

While still holding the responsibility of Mayor, he resigned from his post on Magh 4 of last year, formed the Labor Culture Party, and became a candidate in the House of Representatives election. He has been claiming that he will now expand the framework of labor and citizen participation he advocated for to the national level as a Member of Parliament.

Rai's journey, which began on the roads and water sources of Dharan, has now reached the Parliament building. The curiosity about what impact Rai's political journey, which emerged from local movements, will have on national politics is visible in everyone's mind.