Kathmandu, March 5

Election fever, which had gripped the 13th National General Convention of the Nepali Congress right from day one, reached a new climax today — on the eve of the much-awaited election.

One could easily understand the intensity of the election fever with pamphlets and leaflets scattered all over the road throughout Bhrikuti Mandap.

Candidates spent most of their time campaigning with supporters, instead of participating in the closed session.

Some candidates, including Gagan Thapa, had developed songs for publicity while many candidates had groups of supporters chanting slogans in their support and moving to and fro throughout the day on the premises of Bhrikuti Mandap.

A large number of people were busy distributing pamphlets and leaflets to members of the General Convention. Many groups were engaged in campaigning for their candidates with folk songs and dances accompanied by traditional musical instruments. Loudspeakers and multimedia blared all over Bhrikuti Mandap.

A robot was even used to campaign for former Nepal Student’s Union president Pradip Poudel, who is fighting for Central Working Committee membership in the open category.

Bhrikuti Mandap and its surroundings have remained crowded throughout the day since Thursday. On the last day for carrying out publicity for candidates today, people found it hard to move, especially at the entrance of Bhrikuti Mandap, which has been covered with Nepali Congress flags bearing the four stars.

Candidate for CWC member from the Indigenous Nationalities quota Nagendra Kumal said it has become tough for politicians now with the advancement of different technologies.

Nepal Barbers’ Association, affiliated to Nepali Congress, had set up a stall inside Bhrikuti Mandap and the stall provided free service to members of the general convention. President Rajaram Thakur said more than 500 people took their free service in two days.

An ambulance was on standby while a team of doctors with essential medicine and medical equipment was stationed inside Bhrikuti Mandap.

A ban on public vehicles was in place on the road as Bhrikuti Mandap observed the mega political event.

Aggressive campaigning continued till late in the night today through meetings in groups by candidates, who even visited hotels where their voters were staying.

Candidates have also been incurring hotel and food expenses of potential voters.