Dramatic twist in Achham-1: UML replaces its candidate with Dipak Saud
On Saturday evening, UML had initially announced central member Jhapat Bohara as its candidate.
KATHMANDU: Achham’s electoral politics has taken a dramatic turn as the CPN-UML, at the last moment, withdrew its own candidate from Achham-1 and nominated Dipak Saud, newly declared president of the Progressive Democratic Party of Sudurpashchim, to contest under the UML’s “Sun” symbol.
On Saturday evening, UML had initially announced central member Jhapat Bohara as its candidate.
However, within a few hours, that decision was reversed, and Bohara’s candidacy was canceled.
Instead, Dipak Saud, a senior and influential leader from the former Maoist Centre, was handed the ticket.
Reports suggest that Saud’s strong support base in Ramaroshon, traditionally considered a stronghold of the former Maoists, influenced the party’s decision.
In the 2022 House of Representatives election, UML had initially recommended Bhim Rawal as its sole candidate from Achham-1, but UML Chair KP Sharma Oli had ultimately chosen Bohara at the last minute.
This time, however, the ticket has been given to Saud, who is also a former central committee member of the Maoist party and one of Achham’s veteran leaders.
Party insiders say the move was driven by the “Bhim Rawal factor.” Rawal, representing the Nepal Communist Party, is seen as a heavyweight local leader with a strong grassroots presence. UML sources claim the party is currently trailing by around 6,000 votes in Achham-1. “With Rawal in the race, we needed a candidate who could secure votes effectively. It’s a strategic move, not out of fear,” said a senior UML leader.
Historically, Saud and Rawal have faced each other in elections. In the 2010 Constituent Assembly polls, Saud contested as a Maoist candidate while Rawal ran under UML.
Today, the roles are reversed: Saud is contesting under UML, while Rawal represents the NCP.
