Pokhara, 17 February | As the election date of March 5 (21 Falgun) approaches, the political atmosphere in Chitwan Constituency No. 2 has become increasingly complex, characterized by a mix of unwavering loyalty to new forces and a notable return of voters to traditional parties. This constituency, which is preparing for its third parliamentary election since 2022, is witnessing a high-stakes battle between the incumbent Chairman of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, and formidable challengers from the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and the newly formed Nepal Communist Party (NCP). While Lamichhane secured a landslide victory in the previous by-election with over 54,000 votes, the current ground reality suggests that the upcoming contest will not be as one-sided as before. Many voters who previously supported the “Bell” symbol out of frustration with old parties are now evaluating the RSP’s performance against the grassroots social contributions of candidates like Meena Kharel of the Nepali Congress.
A significant portion of the electorate remains sympathetic toward Rabi Lamichhane, arguing that traditional political forces have systematically obstructed his ability to work. Voters like Dhan Bahadur Gurung and Devi Prasad Sapkota express a desire to give the RSP “one last chance,” believing that the establishment orchestrated Lamichhane’s legal troubles to prevent a newcomer from succeeding. The RSP’s strategic announcement of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah as their prospective Prime Ministerial candidate has injected fresh energy into their campaign, re-activating a segment of the youth and neutral voters who had recently become disillusioned. Rajan Gautam, an RSP central member, claims that the party aims to secure 75 percent of the total votes, banking on the support of first-time voters and those seeking a total overhaul of the administrative system. However, this optimism is countered by local grievances regarding Lamichhane’s unfulfilled promises, such as making Chitwan an economic capital and resolving land ownership issues for the landless.
Simultaneously, the Nepali Congress is witnessing a resurgence in support following the candidacy of Meena Kharel, a long-time social activist known for her work with women and children. Voters in Ward 11 of Bharatpur Metropolitan City—the most populous ward in the constituency—have noted a “homecoming” trend where former Congress and UML supporters who defected to the RSP are returning to their original folds. The perception that Meena Kharel has done more tangible social work without seeking publicity has resonated deeply with female voters and the “Gen-Z” demographic. Kalpana Khadka and Smriti Malla represent this shifting tide, stating that they prefer a candidate who has a proven track record of helping the poor and securing citizenships for the marginalized over a candidate known primarily for media popularity. The unity within the Congress, bolstered by the leadership of Gagan Thapa, has further strengthened their position.
On the other side of the spectrum, the CPN (UML) has fielded 36-year-old Asmin Ghimire to reclaim its historical stronghold. Ghimire argues that the development of infrastructure in areas like Ichchhakamana and Kalika is a direct result of UML’s past governance and that voters are now looking for a representative who remains consistently present in the community. Furthermore, the newly formed Nepal Communist Party (NCP), led by Pratap Gurung, represents a merger of two dozen communist factions, aiming to consolidate the scattered left-wing vote. Gurung’s 42-point commitment focusing on industrializing Kalika and developing Bharatpur as a central city adds another layer to the competition. As the candidates intensify their door-to-door campaigns, the residents of Chitwan-2 stand at a crossroads between continuing their experiment with “new politics” or returning to the experienced machinery of traditional democratic and communist forces.
