Bajura candidates woo voters through Deuda

By Sher Bahadur Sarki,Bajura, Feb. 21: Election campaigning has gathered momentum in Bajura district, with candidates adopting cultural performances to woo voters.

As seven political parties and one independent candidate step up their campaigns, election-related activities have intensified across the district.

Since the third week of January, candidates have been going door to door seeking votes. Alongside direct outreach, they are organising various programmes to engage voters. 

Unlike in the past, when campaigns were marked by loud slogans and confrontations, this time, the candidates have changed their canvassing style.

Candidates are now visiting settlements and asking for votes through Deuda, a traditional folk dance popular in Sudurpaschim. Voters, too, are using Deuda verses to raise concerns about development in their villages. In response, candidates are pledging through the same medium to prioritise local development if elected.

One Deuda verse from voters goes: “There are no roads, no drinking water -- how can you ask for votes?

If you want our vote, come to the village; where will you disappear after winning?”

Candidates reply in verse: “We will keep coming to the village when problems arise; we deserve no votes if we fail to deliver development.”

The verses reflect voters’ frustration over the lack of development, while candidates promise change if elected. One local, Budi Rawat of Khaptad Chhededaha Rural Municipality-5, said that earlier campaigns often led to disputes, but now people dance Deuda regardless of which party visits the village.

“Earlier, Deuda was played only during fairs,” Rawat said. “Now, leaders come to villages and dance Deuda, which has made the atmosphere livelier.” He added that while everyone enjoys the dance, voters will decide whom to vote for on polling day.

Voters said that development is needed in health, education, drinking water, roads, employment and agriculture. Candidates have made these issues central to their campaign agendas while visiting households.

A total of eight candidates -- seven from political parties and one independent -- are contesting the election in Bajura. 

According to the District Election Office, the district has 87,861 voters, including 45,428 men, 42,431 women and two others, with 118 polling centres across 77 polling stations.