Toughest test awaits Paudel in Rupandehi-2

By Our Correspondent,Butwal, Jan. 29: Vice Chairman of CPN-UML, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, a four-time winner from Rupandehi-2, is facing his toughest challenge in this election, as the political landscape shifts with new contenders joining the race.

Paudel, who has been a dominant figure in Rupandehi since his first election victory in 2008, finds himself in the midst of a shifting political landscape. 

This time, he is not only facing the traditional rivals from his own party but also new faces from across various political lines, including the Nepali Congress (NC), the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

Paudel initially considered contesting from Palpa-2. However, after internal dissatisfaction within his own party and a perceived need to secure his old stronghold, he opted to remain in Rupandehi-2. And he registered his candidacy amidst a heated internal debate within the UML ranks.

Paudel’s political journey in Rupandehi started in 1999 when he first contested in the old Rupandehi Constituency-3. However, he lost Nepali Congress’s Surya Prasad Pradhan. However, since 2008, Paudel has claimed victory in every election, establishing himself as a political strongman in the region.

In the 2022 elections, Paudel won the election with a narrow margin. He received 27,147 votes, while Ganesh Poudel secured 25,781 votes …a margin of only around 1,300 votes. Paudel himself acknowledged at a public event in Butwal that a review of this result was necessary.

Paudel also defeated former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai in 2013 Constituent Assembly election. 

Despite these challenges, Paudel has been focusing on his experience and the development contributions he has made to Rupandehi. “My contribution to the development of Rupandehi is evident, numerous projects that I initiated have transformed the district into a model one,” he said. “There are still plans that need to be completed, and there is much more to be done for the region’s progress.”

A fresh challenge from NC

This time, the NC has selected a new face to challenge Paudel’s dominance in the region. Business tycoon Chunna Paudel has been nominated as the NC candidate for Rupandehi-2. 

The NC sees Chunna as someone who can appeal to the business communities in Butwal. “The mindset of voters is shifting, they are inclined to support new faces rather than repeated ones,” said Chunna, who is expected to attract significant support from the urban business community in Butwal.

RSP eyes youth vote

The RSP has nominated lawyer and youth leader, Sulabh Kharel, from the same constituency. 

Kharel gained attention for handling early legal issues for the party’s president, Rabi Lamichhane and has positioned himself as a candidate with a strong legal background. 

“The people of Rupandehi-2 are not just looking for experience, they want someone who understands the law and can act responsibly,” Kharel said.

NCP nominates youth leader

Meanwhile, NCP has fielded 39-year-old, Bishwadeep Pande.  

Pandey, who is a central committee member and in charge of social media and publicity within the party, views this election as a way to build trust with the youth. 

“Although this is my first election, I have gained valuable experience working alongside senior leaders in the party. I am confident that the youth and the people will trust me to fulfil their expectations,” he said.

Janasewa Party's Dr. Nicholas Bhusal

Finally, Dr. Kamal Bhusal ‘Nicholas’, a well-known social activist and medical professional, has been nominated by the Nepal Janasewa Party. 

Bhusal, who has organised several free health camps in recent years, aims to bring a new kind of service-oriented political thinking to the constituency. “In the past, my candidacy was dismissed, but this time I am fully prepared to make a difference in this region,” Bhusal said. “I want to bring a culture of service and accountability to our politics.”

The contest in Rupandehi-2 is expected to be one of the most closely watched in Lumbini Province, with senior leaders like Paudel up against young challengers and new political faces. 

The constituency encompasses Butwal Sub Metropolitan City (wards 1-13), Tulsipur Municipality (wards 1-6), and Sainamaina Municipality (wards 1-4), with a total of 135,050 voters.

The result in Rupandehi-2 will not only determine the future of these candidates but also set the tone for the overall political landscape in the region. 

With such a diverse and dynamic field, this election is poised to be a pivotal moment for Rupandehi and for Nepal’s broader political scene.