Pokhara, 5 February | As the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21) approaches, Siraha Constituency No. 3 has become a focal point of intense political competition, primarily between the CPN (UML) and the Nepali Congress. The CPN (UML) has fielded outgoing Member of Parliament Lilanath Shrestha, who is campaigning on his track record of local development in education and infrastructure. His supporters describe him as an experienced and popular leader capable of securing a hat-trick victory. However, some voters have expressed concerns over unfulfilled expectations despite his multiple terms in office.
The Nepali Congress has challenged the UML’s stronghold by nominating Dr. Subhash Chandra Yadav, son of former party treasurer Sita Devi Yadav. Centering their campaign on the theme of “need for change,” the Congress is intensifying door-to-door programs to capitalize on their strong showing in the 2022 proportional representation results, where they emerged as the leading party in the district. Meanwhile, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has introduced Dr. Shambhu Sah as its candidate, hoping to benefit from the growing “Balen wave” among the youth. Additionally, Vishwanath Sah of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), who lost by a narrow margin in the previous election, remains a formidable contender, though his involvement in the usury (meter- व्याज) victims’ movement has created a complex dynamic among certain voter blocs. With 39 candidates in the fray, Siraha-3 is poised for one of the most unpredictable multi-cornered contests in the upcoming national polls.
