Jhapa: As the House of Representatives (HoR) election set for March 5 draws near, the political dynamics in Jhapa Constituency No 2 have become increasingly charged. The constituency has garnered heightened interest as a notable array of candidates, including former ministers, Constituent Assembly members, legal experts, and young activists, along with the outgoing Speaker and Deputy Speaker, have entered the electoral fray. In total, 18 candidates representing 15 political parties and three independents are vying for a seat in this pivotal election.
According to National News Agency Nepal, prominent figures in the race include former Speaker Devraj Ghimire from CPN (UML), Sarita Prasain from Nepali Congress, Dharmashila Chapagain from Nepali Communist Party, and former Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Other contenders are Bhadra Prasad Nepal from Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Ramesh Kumar Rajbanshi from Janamat Party, and several others, including independent candidates Punya Prasad Acharya, Ramesh Kumar Karki, and Dr. Yubraj Sangroula. Jhapa Constituency No 2 encompasses Arjundhara Municipality, Kankai Municipality-8 and 9, parts of Buddhashanti Rural Municipality, and Wards 1 to 9 of Birtamod Municipality.
According to the Election Commission, this constituency has 147,522 registered voters and comprises 165 voting centers across 49 polling stations. In the previous election for the HoR member in 2079 BS, UML’s Ghimire emerged victorious with 28,716 votes, while independent candidate Bhadra Prasad Nepal trailed closely with 26,455 votes. Ghimire, seeking re-election, highlighted his efforts in advancing development projects during his term and emphasized the need for continued support to complete pending initiatives.
Meanwhile, Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate and outgoing Deputy Speaker Ranamagar underscored her deep roots in the area, citing her commitment to social justice and inclusivity. Nepali Communist Party candidate Chapagain outlined plans to transform Birtamod into a ‘Smart City’ and upgrade it to a sub-metropolitan city. Nepali Congress candidate Prasai emphasized the necessity for youth leadership and proposed policies to empower women and youth in agriculture.
Independent candidate and former Attorney General Dr. Sangroula advocated for legal reform and constitutional amendments, aiming to steer the nation in the right direction. RPP candidate Nepal focused on preserving the Hindu state and ‘Sanatana’ religion.
Local residents have voiced their expectations, emphasizing the need for representatives who can foster an investment-friendly environment in agriculture, energy, and industry. Mehar Magar of Arjundhara-8 highlighted the potential prosperity of the region with increased investment in agriculture and small industries. Krishna Chudal of Birtamod-4 called for a visionary MP to establish an industrial park in Birtamod, enhancing its role as a medical and educational hub.
The multi-dimensional development agendas of the candidates and the heightened expectations of locals have thrust this election into the spotlight, making Jhapa-2 a focal point of political attention.