Okhaldhunga, October 28

With just a few weeks remaining for the provincial and parliamentary elections, poll fever has gripped Okhaldhunga district.

Various political parties have already started their election publicity campaigns in the district. Nepali Congress has a strong hold in the district. In the recently concluded local polls also NC was able to win the favour of people. CPN-UML and CPN-Maoist Centre could not perform well in the civic polls but after forging the left alliance, they are expected to give tough challenge to the NC.

As many as 22 candidates from nine political parties, including one independent, have filed their nominations from the district.

Ram Hari Khatiwada from NC and the common candidate Yagya Raj Sunuwar from the left alliance will be contesting the parliamentary polls. Khatiwada is said to be a popular leader of the district as he had brought various development projects during his four-year tenure in the parliament. Similarly, Sunuwar is also strong and popular leader who was elected from constituency 1 in the last Constituent Assembly election.

Mitra Sain Dahal from NC will have to contest with Ambir Babu Gurung from the left alliance for province assembly seat from constituency A. Dahal is said to be involved in social work and helps the people of the district while Gurung is relatively a new face in politics as he was involved in business. He is involved in social work as well.

Similarly, Pradip Kumar Sunuwar will have to contest with Mohan Khadka from the left alliance in constituency B. It is said that Sunuwar might face problems as Tarun Dal District President Gyanendra Rumjhali has also filed the nomination as an independent candidate from the same constituency. Sunuwar is very popular face among the people of the district whereas Khadka has not been able keep himself away from controversies.