PHIDIM: Tough competition is on the offing as influential leaders from Nepali Congress and leftist alliance are contesting for provincial and parliamentary elections in Panchthar district.

A total of 29 candidates from 13 parties are contesting for upcoming polls. 11 and 18 candidates are vying for House of Representatives and State Assemblies elections respectively.

After the promulgation of the constitution, Panchthar district would elect one member of parliament and two members in state assembly.

Ruling Nepali Congress have fielded its central member and erstwhile parliamentarian Veesmaraj Angdembe for the House of Representatives election.

Similarly, the leftist alliance have nominated Basanta Kumar Newang for the same, many are eying for a tough battle between this two contestant for the post of member of parliament.

It has been learned that the NC candidate Angdembe was elected to the constituent assembly election in 2013 from Panchthar constituency -2 in the district.

Likewise, Newang was elected to the member of parliament in 1991 and 1997 elections.

Meanwhile, the contesting political parties have intensified their election rallies and campaign in the district. The first round of elections in 32 districts is slated on November 26.