Four-way battle heats up in Gulmi-1
This time, the contest has become more unpredictable with the rise of new political forces and independent candidates.
KATHMANDU: As the March 21 general elections approach, political activity in Gulmi-1, a hill district in Lumbini Province long considered a stronghold of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML, has reached fever pitch. This time, the contest has become more unpredictable with the rise of new political forces and independent candidates.
Although 21 candidates are contesting in Gulmi-1, the main competition is expected to be among four figures. Veteran politician and former Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali represents CPN-UML, while intellectual leader and incumbent MP Dr. Chandrakant Bhandari is the Congress candidate, continuing their well-known rivalry. Breaking the traditional two-party dominance are young engineer Sagar Dhakal of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former provincial minister Sudarshan Baral of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), whose local influence and popularity have drawn national attention.
Historically, Gulmi-1 has swung between Congress and UML. Between 2056 BS and 2079 BS, Gyawali has won three elections and Bhandari two. In the 2079 BS polls, Bhandari narrowly defeated Gyawali by just 1,592 votes. Previous results were often shaped by alliances, whether the leftist or democratic coalitions. This election, however, sees all parties competing independently, leaving room for smaller parties and independent candidates to influence the outcome.
The constituency has 122,186 registered voters, with female voters outnumbering males. Based on proportional votes from the 2079 BS election, UML is ahead, followed by Congress. Yet RSP’s Dhakal, who secured 8,116 votes previously, and Sudarshan Baral, with his strong personal appeal, could significantly shake up the results. Analysts suggest that Dhakal’s social media popularity and appeal among young voters may face challenges against the well-organized bases of Gyawali and Bhandari.
The electoral battleground spans Kaligandaki, Satyawati, Ruru, Chandrakot, and Gulmi Darbar rural municipalities, along with select wards of Resunga Municipality. Here, candidates’ personal image and local development agendas will be decisive. Gyawali brings diplomatic experience, Bhandari is known for his articulate speeches, Dhakal campaigns on change, and Baral appeals with simplicity. Together, the four offer voters distinct choices in what promises to be one of the most closely watched contests in the region.
