Election environment heating up in Bajhang

By Sailendra Rokaya,Bajhang, Mar. 15: After the Election Commission fixed the date for the upcoming by-election to the Provincial Constituency (A) in Bajhang district, political enthusiasm has surged in the district.

The EC has decided to hold by-elections in Ilam and Bajhang on April 27. 

As political parties are working to finalise their candidates and campaign strategies, the electoral atmosphere is getting heated.

In preparation for the by-election, the CPN-UML has recommended three candidates. Anand Lal BK, secretary of the district committee of CPN-UML, stated that after internal discussions, the party’s District Working Committee has forwarded the names of party district chairman Daman Bahadur Bhandari, outgoing, Deputy Mayor Juna Jagri and District Committee member Radha Bista to the provincial committee.

The vacancy in this constituency arose following the unfortunate demise of Prithvi Bahadur Singha, the Minister of Home Affairs elected from the Nepali Congress. The Nepali Congress, too, is engaged in internal discussions to nominate a suitable candidate for the by-election. Uttam Bahadur Rokaya, party secretary of Nepali Congress, assured that the candidate selection process within the party would be fair and inclusive.

Similarly, the CPN-Maoist Centre has intensified its internal discussions and activities in preparation for the upcoming by-elections. Min Bahadur Kuwar, a central member of the CPN-Maoist Centre, highlighted the importance of central politics in determining ticket allocations, expressing readiness for contesting the elections based on alliance dynamics.

Meanwhile, CPN (United Socialist) is navigating the alliance dynamics post the Maoists assumed the chairmanship of the National Assembly. Lakshmi Prasad Joshi, secretary of the district committee, revealed ongoing internal discussions within the party, considering the possibility of alliances based on central political dynamics.

Furthermore, other parties, including the RPP, are actively engaging in internal discussions as they gear up for the upcoming electoral contest.