GANDAKI: A total of 17 candidates are in the electoral race for the House of Representatives (HoR) in Kaski Constituency No. 2. This constituency, considered a stronghold of the CPN (UML), is being watched with great interest by many observers.

In the previous election, UML leader Bidya Bhattarai won the seat. Earlier, Rabindra Adhikari of the same party had won the 2008 and 2013 Constituent Assembly elections as well as the 2017 parliamentary election.

In the last election, Bhattarai emerged victorious under an alliance that included the Nepali Congress, Maoists, and CPN (Unified Socialist). Madhav Kandel of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Shrinath Baral of the Nepali Congress secured second and third positions respectively. A three-way contest is being predicted in this constituency.

RSP has claimed that this time it will sideline UML, while the Nepali Congress has complained that in the previous election it was unable to use its own election symbol due to the alliance arrangement. However, it has stated that this time, being able to seek votes under its own election symbol, it will be easier to give tough competition to its rivals. Voters in the constituency appear divided. Most say the main competition will be among UML, Congress, and RSP.

Among the 17 candidates are Rashmi Acharya of UML, Madhav Bastola of Nepali Congress, Hem Bahadur Thapa of CPN (United), Uttam Prasad Paudel of RSP, Kushal Gurung of Ujyalo Nepal Party, and Hem Jung Gurung of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.

While campaigning in villages and settlements, candidates have stated that they are prioritizing the issues raised by the new generation, including corruption-free administration, job creation, quality education, and national prosperity.

Voters from villages such as Chawadi, Kurling, and Singarebas in Bharatpokhari have urged candidates to develop basic infrastructure to meet essential needs in their communities.