Phidim, May 2

The Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML have been struggling lot to finalise mayoral candidates for local level polls as a large number of leaders have shown interest in contesting the upcoming elections in Phidim Municipality of Panchthar district.

CPN-Maoist Centre has already fielded Radha Krishna Neupane as its mayoral candidate.

As many as 12 are aspiring to contest polls from the Nepali Congress; while eight are vying for candidacy from the CPN-UML. “With the election date fast approaching, the number of aspirant candidates has increased. The more the people learn about the value and rights of the mayoral post, the larger the number of party activists showing interest. So, shortlisting the candidates has been a great ordeal,” said Brijhang Angdembe, Nepali Congress Panchthar Secretary.

Onahang Nembang, Mitra Prasad Kafle, Ambika Neupane, Dhanraj Tumbapo, Ramraj Angdembe, Bijuli Bikram Nembang, Shubha Raj Thapa, Deepak Nepal, Narendra Adhikari and Tulsi Ram Mishra are seeking candidacy for the mayoral post from the Nepali Congress.

The number of aspirant candidates from the UML is eight. “It is normal to have scores of interested people in a big organisation,” said CPN-UML district Secretary Tibendra Chapagain. Thum Nath Chapagain, Mahendra Thamsuhang, Bhawani Shankar, Dinesh Shrestha, Prithvi Lawati and Khagendra Baskota are said to be the prospective candidates from the UML for the mayoral post in Phidim.