Election Fever Rises in Nepal Film Artists Association Ahead of 20th General Convention

Kathmandu. As the results of the House of Representatives election held on Falgun 21 have come out and preparations for government formation are underway, another election fervor has intensified in the art sector. The 20th General Convention of the Nepal Film Artists Association will take place on Chaitra 28, where new leadership will be elected.

All artists, appearing in roles ranging from heroes and heroines to supporting actors and villains on the film screen, are currently preparing to contest for various positions within the association. Some are announcing their candidacies for the positions they wish to attain on social media, while others are busy behind the scenes securing their desired posts.

Since the current committee led by President Mohan Niraula announced the election date for the new executive committee of the association, election debates have taken priority everywhere, from tea stalls in Gyaneshwor, Putalisadak, Bagbazar, and Anamnagar to social media. This time, two clear factions are visible in the election: the younger generation favoring leadership change and the older generation prioritizing experience.

The impact of the recently concluded House of Representatives election seems to be felt in the Film Artists Association election as well. While the new parliament shows a majority of young people, the voice asking why the older generation should lead the Artists Association is being heard.

Who are the Aspirants for President?

As of today, three aspirants appear prominent for the presidency of the Film Artists Association: Rabindra Khadka, Sabin Shrestha, and Uttam KC. Rabindra Khadka is aiming for a second term as president, while Sabin and Uttam wish to make their mark by becoming president for the first time. There is an equal possibility that an agreement might be reached among these aspirants or that other aspirants might join before the convention day.

Rabindra Khadka, the most senior artist in the presidential race, is also a former president of the association. Shrestha was the General Secretary, and KC was a candidate for General Secretary in the last convention. Until a few days ago, there was talk that the current President Mohan Niraula would seek a second term. Until then, everyone was quiet. However, it is said that Rabindra came forward after Niraula announced he would not seek re-election.

Sabin had also prepared for the presidency in the previous convention. But at the last moment, he supported Niraula and settled for the General Secretary position. This time, however, he is adamant about becoming president.

Although Uttam could have become president earlier, he argues that since he is coming forward now, everyone should support him. Uttam said, “Many people are asking me, ‘Are you preparing to run for president?’ My answer is clear: I am preparing for the presidential post this time.” He added, “I have a strong basis for contesting the election for president.” He states that the rumors circulating in the market about him being persuaded to take a lower position are untrue.

“Many people are telling me to run for Vice President, saying everyone will agree. But I am asking, ‘Who will be the president if I run for Vice President? The person coming in must also be capable,’” KC questions. “I cannot step down to Vice President leaving behind Rabindra Dai. He has already served as president twice; why does he need it again?” KC questions. He states that his main agenda is to revitalize the association.

Rabindra Khadka, on the other hand, initially states that he is not an aspirant for the presidency. However, he asserts that his presence is necessary to unite the association by accommodating everyone. “What haven’t I done for this organization? I built the association’s building over three years, begging for donations from around the world and enduring hardships. But the irony is that no one came to stay there for three years after the building was completed,” Khadka says. “I had no desire to contest this election. But Mohan Niraula Dai and many other friends urged me, saying, ‘You are needed in this situation; your experience will be useful in encompassing everyone and coordinating at the international level.’” Khadka argues that he is coming forward for the presidency to end the factionalism currently present within the organization.

Sabin believes that young leadership must come forward for the Artists Association to progress. “I will be making my agenda and vision for working for the Artists Association public shortly,” Shrestha says. “This time, I need the support of the artists for the transformation of the Artists Association.”

It is also rumored that artist Dharmendra Acharya is an aspirant for the presidency. However, apart from writing a status on social media, he has not been seen lobbying otherwise. Since there is still time left, there is an equal possibility of him entering the race.

Who are the Aspirants for Other Posts?

Compared to the presidential post, there are not as many aspirants for other positions yet. Currently, there are three aspirants for the General Secretary, one for the Secretary, and one for the Treasurer.

The three aspirants for General Secretary are the current Secretary Rameshwor Burlakoti, Treasurer Sunil Katuwal, and artist Panah Adhikari. For the post of Secretary, Gopal Dhakal 'Chhande' is currently in the discussion. Dhakal has already announced his candidacy through social media. Dhakal argues that since he has been progressing gradually through lower positions, no one should obstruct his journey to the secretary post. For the Treasurer post, the current Joint Treasurer Pabitra Acharya is rumored to be a contender.

General Convention Preparations Intensify: President Niraula

According to President Mohan Niraula, preparations for the General Convention are being expedited. Lisara Venue in Naxal has been booked for the general assembly. Notices required for the general assembly have also been issued.
 
President Niraula stated that preparations are underway to form an election committee to ensure the election process for the new office bearers of the association is fair and systematic. “The executive committee meeting, likely to be held in a couple of days, will form the election committee,” he said.

The expenditure for the general assembly will be covered by the association's internal fund. It is estimated that around seven to eight lakh rupees will be spent for this purpose.