As the election fever sweeps the country, the atmosphere in Chitwan Constituency No. 2 is also very heated. Meena Kumari Kharel, a candidate from the Nepali Congress, is currently busy with her door-to-door campaign. Even after 8:30 pm, she is seen reaching the voters' courtyards and asking for votes. Here is an edited excerpt of a conversation between Daya Dudraj and Kharel for Kantipur on the election campaign and current political issues: What is the response of voters and the election atmosphere?

The election atmosphere is very positive right now. When we go door-to-door, voters are spontaneously welcoming us. In some places, voters themselves have called out, saying, 'We are in a group, you come and have your say.' There is great enthusiasm, especially among new voters. Young people who are going to vote for the first time seem very interested in joining our campaign and party. Recently, an energetic young social activist has joined our campaign. This has further boosted our morale.
The President and senior leaders of the National Independent Party (NISP) came and held a general meeting. The President is your opponent, can you change the previous result?

Top leaders of the opposition parties have come and held big meetings, which are claimed to be attended by thousands. However, it is not true that all the people who come to such meetings are voters from this area. It is natural to bring people in vehicles from 8-10 districts outside Chitwan to show their support. We are not afraid. It is a different matter for voters to listen to us and vote. Thousands of people are also supporting us at our doorsteps. Since I am a person from a different movement and background, I am not disturbed by such trivial matters. I am a 'local daughter' born here, raised here and active in this geography for the past 40 years. There is no stain or accusation against me. Voters do not fear that there will be another by-election after voting for me. That is why voters will choose me fearlessly this time.
We have secured the issue of women's participation in the constitution, but in practice the number of candidates is still low. That is why my candidacy is also important for the inclusiveness envisioned by the constitution. Our party, the Nepali Congress, has moved forward with a new vision by bringing changes in policy and leadership. Our goal is to make radical changes in education, health, agriculture and tourism with 10 visions within 10 years. We have envisioned a prosperous state where no citizen has to go hungry. Out of 165 constituencies, the Congress has fielded 106 new faces like me. Voters are now more discerning, they are not in a position to make decisions on impulse like yesterday.

People from hilly districts also migrate to Chitwan. Urbanization is certain to increase here in the coming days. What is your agenda to manage the increasing urbanization here?

Chitwan is a diverse and leading district. It has both hilly and terai geography. It has access from the hilly regions of Kalika and Ichhakamana to the open border of Madi. My priority is not only physical infrastructure, but also quality services. It is not enough to just build school buildings, there should be quality education. We should increase economic activity by taking the private sector along under the 'Three Pillars of Economic Policy'. By managing busy markets like Narayangadh and Bharatpur, opportunities can be created by linking the natural beauty and river system of this region with tourism.
In this area (Chitwan 2), which is considered the epicenter of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), will you work with the people even if the results are not favorable?