Mahottari: The March 5 election to the Member of the House of Representatives (HoR) has engendered an increasing public interest in the electoral constituency 4. With the nomination of the candidacy, the cadres of the political parties are seen busy wooing the voters here.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the constituency sharing a border with India in the South and Sarlahi district in the west is lagging from a development perspective. Locals here are forced to travel to India for health services. Imtiaz Ahmad, a resident of Samsi Rural Municipality-6, expressed concerns over the lack of local healthcare facilities, stating that residents must exchange currency and travel to Sitamadhi, India for medical treatment.
In areas like Sonma Rural Municipality, Samsi Rural Municipality, and Ramgopalpur Municipality, the absence of reliable health services forces patients to seek care across the border. Shesh Saurat from Samsi-6 highlighted that health issues have been neglected in the elections. Additionally, Ramkalevar Yadav from Sonma-3 pointed out the lack of quality hospitals and education, coupled with the erosion caused by the Madha and Hardi rivers during the rainy season, which compels residents to seek refuge on higher ground.
Agriculture in the region is primarily rain-fed, and Madan Saha, a socio-political activist from Sonma-2, noted the absence of an irrigation system despite the presence of rivers. Ram Pratap Yadav of Sonama-6 emphasized the need for candidates with clear and long-term development plans to secure votes in this election.
The constituency has a total of 13 political parties and 23 independent candidates vying for votes, including seven women candidates, four from political parties and three independents.