KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 8
Excitement has surged in Doti, the hilly district of Sudurpaschim Province, as preparations intensify for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5. Candidates from nine political parties are contesting in the district, which has only one parliamentary constituency, making the race both compact and highly competitive.
Once known for fierce electoral battles among heavyweight leaders, Doti has drawn attention this time due to the exit of several established figures and the entry of relatively young and new faces. With major parties contesting independently and new political forces campaigning aggressively, predicting the outcome has become difficult.
The changing political equations and the arithmetic of past proportional representation votes have further complicated the contest. Results from the 2079 BS election indicate a neck-and-neck competition between the major parties, raising expectations of another tight race. The Nepali Congress, which had previously supported a CPN-UML candidate under an alliance arrangement, has decided to go solo in Doti this time. The party has fielded Bharat Bahadur Khadka, banking on its organisational strength rather than coalition support.
Khadka, a former proportional representation lawmaker elected in 2013 and a provincial assembly member in 2017, was recently elected as a central committee member at the Congress' special general convention. Backed by the party's new leadership, he is actively campaigning, though contesting without alliance support is seen as a significant challenge.
The CPN-UML has also injected new energy into the race by nominating Deepak Dhami, a young leader and central president of its student wing, ANNFSU. Dhami's candidacy has stirred the local political scene, particularly among young voters. Dhami, who rose to become ANNFSU's general secretary and president within a short span, has positioned himself as a voice of the youth while claiming the trust of senior citizens. He has pledged to prioritise the blacktopping of roads, improvement of education quality and better access to healthcare in the district.
"I will dedicate my age, time and skills to change the lives of the people of Doti," Dhami said during his campaign. Having started student politics in Shikhar Municipality, Dhami returned to the district after nearly two decades of active politics at the centre, hoping to capitalise on his organisational network. Adding further intrigue to the race is the candidacy of Sudurpaschim Province's former chief minister Trilochan Bhatta, representing the Nepali Communist Party (NCP). Bhatta, who was elected to the provincial assembly in 2074 BS under the UML–Maoist alliance and served as chief minister for five years, is seeking votes by highlighting his tenure's achievements.
However, he has also faced criticism locally over the decision to designate Godavari as the provincial capital during his term. Narendra Bahadur Khadka of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has emerged as another strong contender. A former president of the Doti Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Khadka secured third position in the 2079 BS election as an independent candidate with 6,689 votes. This time, with party backing and growing popularity of the RSP, his prospects are seen as stronger.
Past election data suggest that the contest could hinge on vote transfers from left-leaning and independent voters. In the 2022 proportional vote, the Nepali Congress secured 22,516 votes, while the UML followed closely with 22,456 votes-a margin of just 60 votes. The Maoist Centre had garnered 6,924 votes and the Unified Socialist 2,373 votes, making their support base crucial in the current contest. Analysts say if Trilochan Bhatta succeeds in consolidating leftist votes, both the Congress and UML could face setbacks. Similarly, although the Rastriya Swatantra Party received only 1,248 proportional votes last time, Narendra Khadka's personal vote bank could significantly boost the party's tally.
Several influential leaders from the previous election are absent this time. Prem Ale, who defeated UML's Gauri Oli by a wide margin in the last election, is contesting from Kailali, while Congress leader Bir Bahadur Balayar is also out of the race. Their absence has created political space, intensifying the battle between the Congress' attempt to retain its hold and the UML's bid to reclaim lost ground.
Smaller parties are also vying to make their presence felt. Candidates include Manoj Bhatta of the Rastriya Janamorcha, businessman Khadak Agrawal of the RPP, Khagendra Bahadur Shahi of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, Prakash Kathayat of the Netra Bikram Chand 'Biplav'-led CPN-Maoist, and Saraswati Kumari Pal Malla of Miteri Party Nepal-the only female candidate in the race. With multiple political forces in play and voter loyalties seemingly fluid, Doti's lone constituency is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests in the upcoming House of Representatives election.
