Biratnagar, June 20

The major political parties in Biratnagar Metropolis have adopted development as their major election agenda for the upcoming local polls.

CPN-UML Biratnagar Metropolis mayoral candidate Binod Dhakal has brought forth a 32-page commitment paper that includes his vision of developing Biratnagar as a mega-city in five years and as one of the most prosperous cities in the entire country in 10 years. If the commitment paper is anything to go by, the metropolis will have an upgraded airport capable of operating international flights, an international sports centre, and an industrial exhibition hall besides other urban amenities. The UML candidate has also reiterated his commitment to keep the province intact.

The CPN-Maoist Centre’s plans for the development of the metropolis include the proposal to make Biratnagar the provincial headquarters with free wi-fi zones at different places in the metropolis. Besides, the party of former rebels, which is all set to forge an electoral alliance with the Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal in the metropolis, has plans to alleviate poverty, construct roads, upgrade the existing airport and revive Biratnagar Jute Mill, an industrial facility that has been shut for long.

As per the agreement, CPN-MC has fielded Namita Neupane for the post of deputy mayor, supporting FSF-N’s Umesh Yadav for the mayoral post.

Nepali Congress has put forth its vision of linking Rani of Biratnagar to Kimanthanka on the northern frontier, as well as to make the metropolis the provincial headquarters. NC has fielded Bhim Parajuli as its mayoral candidate for the metropolis. Among other things, Parajuli, in his election commitment paper, has vowed to upgrade Koshi Zonal Hospital and expand the capacity of Nepal Oil Corporation’s storage facility in Biratnagar.

Rastriya Prajatantra Party too has floated its development agenda to solicit voters in what is the mostly eagerly awaited election battleground in the east.

Morang comprises 17 local bodies, including one metropolis, eight municipalities and as many rural municipalities. With the poll date just around the corner, political parties have been fully immersed in election campaigning here.