Balkrishna Khand of Nepali Congress in Biratnagar (File Photo)
BUTWAL: The upcoming by-election in the Rupandehi-3 seat of the House of Representatives is set to be a litmus test for major political parties, particularly the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML. More than a matter of prestige, the race is being seen as an early indicator for the 2027 general elections.
Although voting is more than two months away, the by-election has already started dominating public discourse across tea stalls and street corners. However, voters look disappointed with the activities of major political parties. Giriraj Phuyal, who owns an eatery at Amuwa Chowk in Siyari Rural Municipality, said mainstream parties have failed to meet public expectations. “We no longer believe that these old parties can deliver,” he said. “People will vote for change this time.”
Since this sense of frustration is widespread in the constituency, observers are expecting a fractured vote in the by-election.
Parties such as NC, CPN-UML, CPN (Maoist Center), Rastrya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and CPN (Unified Socialist), as well as Madhes-based parties, are expected to field their candidates in the by-election. Some independent candidates have already begun campaigning.
Khand’s political comeback?
The by-election holds special significance for the NC. In the 2022 elections, senior NC leader and then Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand lost to RPP’s Deepak Bohora. However, the seat became vacant after Bohora’s demise on April 1. NC insiders say there is strong lobbying within the party to field Khand in the by-election.
However, Khand is facing a moral dilemma due to his involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam. Although the court has granted him bail and the law does not bar him from contesting the election, uncertainty still surrounds his candidacy. His recent political activities, however, suggest that he may be preparing to run.
Khand’s surprise visit to the Koirala residence in Biratnagar recently sparked speculation that Khand, a long-time ally of NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, may have changed camp. Despite this, former vice presidents last week advised Deuba to field Khand in the by-election.
UML yet to decide, Unified Socialist eyes left alliance
The UML has yet to finalize its candidate. Although Khimlal Bhattarai had reportedly secured support from party Chairperson KP Sharma Oli for his candidacy, he has gone quiet now. Local businessman, Shashi Paudel, however, is lobbying strongly to get the party ticket.
UML’s Rupandehi District Committee Chairperson Yagya Gaire told Himal Press that the party will pick a candidate who aligns with public sentiment.
On the other hand, Unified Socialist General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal, who had defeated Bohora in 2017, is reportedly under pressure to run again as a joint left candidate. However, party sources say he is undecided about contesting.
Kamal Bhandari, the party’s Lumbini Province Committee Vice Chairperson, is also said to be in the running
RSP preparing for primary, RPP shortlists six
The RSP is accepting online applications from aspiring candidates for the primary election to select its candidate. RSP sources say the process could take at least a month.
Meanwhile, the RPP, which is facing the challenge of defending late Bohora’s legacy, has recommended six names to contest the seat. Late Bohora’s two sons are among the six candidates recommended by the party’s district committee, according to a RPP leader.
Bohora had won the election with UML’s support in 2022.
RJM picks Alam, Maoist Center still in talks
Rastriya Janamorcha has nominated Badre Alam as its candidate for the by-election. Alam is a member of the party’s Central Advisory Council.
CPN (Masal) General Secretary Mohan Bikram Singh has already urged party leaders and cadres to support Alam.
Maoist Center, on the other hand, is busy in talks with like-minded parties to filed a common candidate in the by-election.
Madhesh-based parties, which performed well in the last election in the province, are still engaged in internal discussions. Several aspirants, including Dr Saroj Singh Chaudhary and Ramesh Chaudhary, have expressed interest in contesting the election for Nagarik Unmukti.
Nagark Unmukti Patron Resham Chaudhary is also said to be interested in contesting himself.
Loktantrik Samajbadi Front has decided to support Nagarik Unmukti’s candidate in the election. Janamat Party, which is also a member of the Front, has, however, said that it would field its candidate in the byelection.
Four Independent Hopefuls
At least four independents have declared their candidacy: Kiran BK of Butwal, Ajay Kumar Gupta of Bhairahawa, Lekhnath Gaire of Motipur and Santosh Giri of Tilottama.
BK and Gaire come from the UML background, while Gupta is a former RPP leader. Giri, on the other hand, is a member of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah’s advisory team.
