Dolakha, May 8

Maheshwor Kafle of Tamakoshi Rural Municipality, Ward No 1, is running as the Nepali Congress candidate for chairperson of the region against Gyanendra KC of CPN-UML, his deceased father’s long-time political rival.

Maheshwor’s father Prithvi Bahadur Kafle and Gyanendra KC had first contested against each other in 1988 for the post of Pradhanpanch of then Bhirkot VDC, an election that KC had won. In 1992, Kafle and KC had again run against each other for the post of VDC chairperson, an election that Kafle won.

Prithvi Bahadur Kafle died on 2006. However, his son Maheshwor has now kept the rivalry alive, running against KC for the upcoming local level election.

The CPN Maoist-Centre is backing NC candidate Maheshwor. Both contenders have been canvassing door-to-door, and have expressed confidence that they will win. The rural municipality is reportedly split into young voters who favour Kafle and older voters who favour KC.