”In the past, we were divided into various groups, but now those groups have disbanded. Everyone has the same objective of making the party win. We have resolved misunderstandings through dialogue with disgruntled friends. The arrival of young leadership and a new vision have also increased the confidence of voters in the Congress. This time, unity is seen not only in spirit but also in practice.”
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Congress President Gagan Thapa said at an election rally held in Nepalgunj, Banke on Thursday - do not rely only on social media, communicate with voters, do not stay at home but go to voters, and tell them your story. Congress President Thapa made this call from Banke 3. Where Congress' Lumbini Province Committee President Amar Singh Pun.
In the 2079 elections, he was defeated as a member of the Lumbini Provincial Assembly from Rolpa, but this time he has become a candidate in the House of Representatives election. Amar Singh Pun, who became the Congress candidate from Banke 3, is an edited excerpt of a conversation between Kantipur's Jay Singh Mahara and Kamal Panthi : How is the preparation and atmosphere of the Congress in Lumbini Province for the House of Representatives election?
The situation of the Nepali Congress is very encouraging now. This time, compared to the previous elections, the Congress has come to the voters with a different strategy and 'changed Congress, changed policy'. We have a strong presence in all 26 constituencies of Lumbini Province. There may be competition from some party, but overall, the Congress is moving forward to establish itself as the first force.
In the previous election, the Congress had won only 6 out of 26 seats in this province. Both the demands and the situation of the election are different now. How do you overcome this challenge?
In the past, due to internal conflicts and managerial weaknesses within the party, we were not able to achieve the expected results. But now the situation has changed. The vision and energy of the current leadership, especially President Gagan Thapa, have created a positive atmosphere across the country and in Lumbini Province. The Congress is in the most united state in history. The factionalism within the party has ended and all the friends have entered the election fray with the resolve of a 'united Congress'.
President Thapa has called on the workers to not limit themselves to mobile phones but to reach the doorsteps of every voter. Are the candidates and workers unable to reach the voters' homes?
Due to geographical complexity and time pressure, it may be difficult for the candidate himself to reach every house, but our workers have mobilized in tolls and settlements. We are reaching where the presence of the candidate is mandatory. Door-to-door campaigning in large constituencies of the Tarai and the hilly geography has its own challenges. However, the call of the chairman has given more energy to the workers and we are trying to reach every voter.
It is said that 'Congress alone is enough to defeat Congress'. What is the basis of this unity this time?
In the past, we were divided into various groups, which caused problems in the organization. But now those groups have disintegrated. The only objective of all is to make the party win. We have removed misunderstandings through dialogue and discussion with disgruntled friends. The arrival of the youth leadership and the new vision have also given new confidence to the Congress among the voters. This time, unity is seen not only in spirit but also in practice.
You had contested from Rolpa in the previous election, what is the reason for coming to Banke constituency number 3 this time?
I have been living in Banke since 2052. I spent the difficult times of the conflict here and also spent a long time building the organization here. I got the opportunity to understand the politics here by being close to leaders like Sushil Koirala. Terai and Madhesh are the base of the Congress, I came here to make it stronger and unite my friends here. I believe that the Congress will bring excellent results in all areas of Banke and Bardiya.
What is your main agenda and identity?
The voters here have known me for a long time. My political integrity and organizational experience are my main identity. The country now wants to see a young leader like Gagan Thapa as the Prime Minister, who has added strength to our campaign. Since I am a person who has made a clear identity in national politics as well, the voters believe that I can solve the problems here at the policy level.
What differences did you find in geography and voter psychology in the elections in Rolpa and Banke?
The main difference is geography. Due to the remote geography, campaigning was challenging in Rolpa, it is somewhat easier to go door to door here. Talking about voters, voters in the hills seem to be more committed to party commitments, while voters in the Terai can change their minds quickly. However, voters are now aware across the country and a clear wave has been seen in favor of the Congress.
How much will the emergence of new parties and the disillusionment seen among voters affect the Congress?
The discussion of new parties is more visible on social media, but the ground reality is different. Voters have started to understand the history and seriousness of the leadership. There is a general understanding that there is no other option other than the Congress to protect the current political system and democracy. We have moved forward with our own agenda and clear vision rather than opposing anyone.
The opposition has accused you of being a 'tourist candidate', what do you say about this?
This accusation is baseless. My home and main investment are 10 times more in Banke than in Rolpa. The Constitution of Nepal has given the right to eligible citizens to contest elections from any constituency. I am a person who is immersed in the soil and politics of this country. I myself was also deployed in Sushil Koirala's election yesterday. That is why I am not a 'tourist', but a candidate committed to the development and change of this country.
