What is Gopal Hamal, who won as an independent candidate in the last local level elections in Dhangadhi, the only sub-metropolitan city in the Far West, the provincial capital, and the main commercial center, doing?

Many are interested in the next steps of Mayor Hamal, who has been politically almost 'anonymous' even during the polarization between parties.

Hamal, who is from a sub-metropolitan city and is suffering from serious health problems, posted a video on social media four days ago on the day of the cultural festival of Sudurpaschim, 'Puse Pandhra'.

In the video, he urged political parties and leaders to vote only after asking for a clear, concrete and implementable roadmap for poverty reduction in the Sudurpaschim province in the upcoming elections. Hamal's message was also politically meaningful. There were some indications in his approach to politics.

He said that the increasing poverty rate in the Sudurpaschim province was very worrying. 'Despite political changes and several changes in the governance system in the country, the pace of development in the Sudurpaschim province has not progressed as expected,' said Mayor Hamal. 'According to the Nepal Living Standards Survey, the poverty rate in Karnali was 39.5 percent in 2019, but it has decreased to 26.69 percent in 2022/23. But during the same period, the poverty rate in the Far West, which was 25.3 percent, reached 34.16 percent, the highest in the country, in 2022/23.'

Why did poverty increase in the Far West when Karnali was able to reduce the poverty rate? He also questioned. Adding to the same context, he emphasized the need to start serious discussions, debates, and question-and-answer sessions with political parties and leaders about the poverty reduction plan for the Far West in the upcoming elections.

He said that candidates who come to seek votes should be asked for a clear plan to reduce poverty, a set timeframe, and a detailed implementation plan.

Many have interpreted the reference to the long-term development of the Far West as a question to be asked of candidates who will be candidates in the upcoming elections as a sign that he himself will not join any political party.

What is Mayor Hamal doing when political activity is increasing? Where will his political line turn? Will he remain independent in the upcoming House of Representatives elections or will he join a party and take another political step? There is public interest in this.

While Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah and Dharan Sub-metropolitan City Mayor Hark Sampang, who were elected independently at the local level, have chosen their own political paths, Hamal has kept himself away from political commentary.

Speculations have been heard in the streets and squares that Hamal may also become a candidate from one party or another. In the meantime, leaders of new and old political parties have not failed to hold discussions with Hamal at various stages, and many parties still keep him at the center.

When I met him last Wednesday, he initially said that he would not give a formal political response. ‘I do not want to give a formal political response,’ Hamal said. He seemed to be unable to be satisfied with the newly developed politics. ‘It seems that everyone wants a position, that is why there is a rush, I am seeing a lack of dedication in public service. If everyone continues to rush to get a position, this country will never be rebuilt,’ he said.