Kathmandu: “Youths should be provided opportunities of education and health. People’s affordability and access are important for it,” remarked Sneha Dahal, a voter from Kathmandu constituency-4. Dahal, speaking to RSS, emphasized that the elected representatives should address these critical issues. Her sentiments reflect the concerns of many voters in the area as the election for the House of Representatives approaches, now less than a month away. Political parties have heightened their campaign efforts to win support, making Kathmandu constituency-4 a focal point in political discussions over recent years.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Kathmandu constituency-4 spans four wards of Kathmandu Metropolitan City and 12 wards of Budhanilkantha municipality in the Kathmandu district. The electoral battle here mirrors the broader competition between established and emerging political parties, as well as independent candidates. A total of 28 candidates are vying for office, comprising 18 from various political parties and 10 independents. Notably, Gagan Thapa, the President of the Nepali Congress and a three-time winner from this constituency, is contesting this election from Sarlahi-4, a development that has sparked considerable discussion.
The CPN (UML) is fielding Dr. Rajan Bhattarai once again, while the Nepali Congress introduces a new candidate, Sachin Timalsena. Pukar Bam is representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party, having previously contested from Kathmandu constituencies no. 8 and 1. Other candidates include Indra Kumar Bhusal of the Nepali Communist Party, Surendra Raj Bhandari of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Chhabi Bahadur Khanal of the Rastriya Janamorcha. The list extends to candidates from various other parties and independents, with only two women among the total candidates.
Kathmandu-4, home to 76,141 voters, consists of a demographic mix of medium and intellectual class employees, businessmen, and workers. Areas like Naxal Bhagawati, Kumarigal, Gaushala, Dillibazaar, Gyaneshwor, Chapali, Mandikhatar, Kapan, and Paiyatar are part of this constituency. Krishna Bhandari, the Election Officer for Kathmandu-4, noted that there are 33 voting centers and 88 polling stations. He mentioned that the election fervor is yet to peak, as the official election publicity period set by the Election Commission is scheduled for February 16 to March 2.
Key issues for the constituency include integrated urban development, addressing landless problems, conservation of rivers and heritage sites, and management of parking, sewerage, and drinking water. Candidates have prioritized solutions such as controlling flooding in Kapan, conducting a feasibility study for the Kalopul-Gaurighat tunnel, and ensuring smooth vehicular movement by reopening the obstructed Guheshwori-Tilganga road.