Biratnagar, January 14:

Biratnagar sub-metropolis’ candidates for the municipal poll scheduled on February 8 have asked the government to ensure their safety. The candidates, while admitting that it is risky business to be a poll candidate at this juncture have also sought life insurance cover.

Speaking at a candidates’ introduction programme in Biratnagar today, central member of the Nepal Samata Party and candidate for the post of mayor, Mohammad Mojahid Haque said participating in the coming election was like jumping into the fire. He added, however, that candidates from his party would run for different posts in all 22 wards of Biratnagar.

Morang District Member of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Hari Dahal urged the government to mobilise security in Biratnagar for the polls. Urging for the re-establishment of temporary police posts at different places in the city area, Dahal also demanded setting up of check posts for the security of candidates.

An independent candidate for mayor, Dilip Dhadewa said the prime necessity was peace and security. “Candidates will hesitate to participate if security is not guaranteed’, he said.

Woman leader Indu Acharya said women would participate extensively in the polls. She demanded that the government post mobile patrols at every juncture in the town to instil a feeling of security.

State Minister for Population and Environment Mani Lama, who attended the programme, said the government has made effective provision for security during polls.

“The government will provide much more security than what the candidates are demanding,” Lama said, adding, “The government will also take responsibility for the candidates’ security.”

Candidates, including Binod Aryal, Dr Minakshi Nepal, social worker Bijay Khanal and Dil Bahadur Thebe representing the Janajatis are in the fray.

While the Shiva Sena Nepal has said it will give the names of its candidates on January 20 the Nepal Sadbhawana Party will do so a good two days earlier.

Chairman of the Intellectual Council of Morang, Magan Prasad Tiwari said the council would help candidates in the polls.

Meanwhile, candidates have objected to the participation of government-propped candidates. The local administration, however, is all geared up to roll out the red carpet for government candidates.

Former Mayor Ram Krishna Bhattarai has been urged by the local administration to run for the chair, sources said, adding that he is demurring as he is also a central member of Nepal Janashakti Party.