”Many people do not have a clear answer to the question of what the new one does? How does it do it? On what basis should we trust it?”
What you should know
Jhapa Constituency No. 2 is in the news due to the competition between former Speaker Devraj Ghimire and Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar. Sarita Prasai from the Nepali Congress, Swagat Nepal from the RPP, and former Attorney General Yubaraj Sangraula are independent candidates here.
Edited excerpt of a conversation between former Speaker and CPN-UML candidate Ghimire Gaurav Pokharel and Parbat Portel : How are you getting the response from the voters?
I am currently focused on asking for my own votes. What is my concern more than the response of others. I am getting positive signals while going door to door. I am getting the trust of the people.
The elections are being held in different circumstances after the Gen-G movement. What questions are the voters raising?
Not an unusual question . But the disappointment that expectations have not been met has increased. The abstract expression ‘We have seen too much of the old, now we need the new’ has also been heard . But, what does the new do ? How does it do it ? On what basis do many people not have a clear answer to the question of what to believe . It is natural that frustration has increased due to the lack of physical infrastructure, employment, good governance and overall development .
You were elected from this constituency and even became the Speaker . What did you do during your tenure ? What remains to be done now ?
I moved forward in a planned manner towards solving the long-term problems of this constituency . Significant work has been done in physical infrastructure, which has increased hope and trust among the people . The problem of unorganized settlements and squatters is 60-70 years old . We had reached the stage of passing the land bill and making an act and solving it based on that . As soon as that process was completed, many problems would be resolved by registering the Dagar-Bagar. Now, after winning, there is a plan to complete it.
Candidates have been denied entry to the 51 bigha area of Birtamod Bus Park in Jhapa-2. Have you spoken to them?
More than 400 families have been living in the 51 bigha area (Birtamod-5 and Arjundhara-11) connected to the Giribandhu T-State replacement case. After the question of land ownership arose, buying and selling has stopped and the common people have become victims. There are about two thousand voters there. I am talking to the residents there. I have urged that boycotting will not provide a solution.
Who is the main challenge for you in Jhapa-2? The former Deputy Speaker or anyone else?
I have not taken anyone as a special challenge. I have moved forward with my own policies and programs. The public has a long political life and experience of maintaining impartiality in the role of Speaker.
The RSVP candidate is also from this constituency. The public has had the opportunity to compare his contribution and my work. Although some have raised the issue of good governance and corruption, the facts are becoming clearer with time.
There is a competition between Chairman KP Sharma Oli and independent candidate Balendra Shah in Jhapa-5. How do you see the situation of UML in Jhapa as a whole?
Balendra Shah's candidacy in Jhapa-5 seems unnatural and strange. The results will be clear if the voting is held in a fair and free environment. Last time we won three constituencies, this time we will win all five constituencies.
Are there any doubts regarding election fairness and security?
Some publicity activities have created a sensation. However, the administration has already sought clarification. Our expectation is a peaceful, fear-free and free election. It is the government's responsibility to ensure that.
