Tripartite competition likely in Dhangadhi

By Our Correspondent Dhangadhi, May 6: Election atmosphere in Dhangadhi, the only sub-metropolitan city in the Sudurpaschim Province, is heating up. As it is also the temporary capital of the province, everyone's attention is focused on Dhangadhi. Top leaders from across the political spectrum have started visiting the place to solicit votes for the candidates of their respective parties and factions.

Nrip Bahadur Oad of the Nepali Congress, Rana Bahadur Chand of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Bindra Air of Rastriya Janata Party and Basanta Bishwokarma of the Lokatantrik Samajwadi Party are contesting for the vital posts in the sub-metropolis. 

Similarly, Neem Kumar Chaudhary of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, Gopal Hamal, Madan Krishna Bhatta and Uddhav Raj Pant are in the fray.

It is believed that there will be a tripartite competition among candidates of the Nepali Congress (NC), the CPN (UML) and the independent candidate Gopal Hamal this time.

In the 2017 local election, ruling NC had won both the chief and deputy chief of this sub-metropolis. Nrip Bahadur Oad, who had won the then election from the NC, is expected to get re-elected this time as well. The mayoral candidate said that his previous contribution to the people would be the basis of his victory. "Based on what I've done, people will believe in me and make me win again," he said. 

In the last election, the NC had won the election but now there is an alliance, and the independent candidate for the mayor post Hamal was defeated by 2,795 votes. Oad had received 14 thousand votes while Hamal had received 11 thousand votes. Maoist candidates who came in third position have pinned hopes on the coalition to win the election this time. It is said that the main opposition UML also has a strong hold among voters in this local body.

The Election Office in the district informed that there are 93,151 voters in Dhangadhi Sub-metropolis.