Chairman of Nepal Sushusan Party Ramesh Kharel is in the news again as he is all set to contest the election of Kathmandu Metropolitan City mayor.

Kharel, who retired from the post of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) after working in the Nepal Police for 29 years, has created the image of a skilled police officer.

Kharel, who was very popular during his tenure in the Nepal Police due to his stern presentation against crime, is now active by forming a party.

The celebrity image he created while in the Nepal Police, he continued as an anti-corruption activist for a few years after his retirement and has recently moved forward with the leader of a political party.

Khabarhub’s Laxman Phuyal talked to Kharel on various issues, including the preparations for the local elections and the situation of his party, among others. Excerpts:

How is Nepal Sushasan Party preparing for the local elections?

To tell you the truth, we do not have committees in all 77 districts. We have formed district committees in 13 districts from which we will field candidates in the local elections.

We don’t contest for the sake of competition. We contest to make a positive contribution to politics and the country. If we see a situation where we can’t deliver well, we will wait for another five years.

We will continue to expand the organization for the next five years, and contest the elections. We will support people from all walks of life who are doing well, doing good work, and carrying good principles.

Our sole objective is to maintain good governance in the country. The plunder that exists in this country must end at any cost. People have been deceived. Such people should be brought to justice. Those people who are involved in corruption should be brought under the purview of law and take action according to the procedure of law.

What is the status of the organization of the Nepal Sushasan Party?

It has been three months since we officially announced the party. We also registered the party with the Election Commission.

In fact, we will not field people with criminal backgrounds or contractual backgrounds. We will nominate people by researching and studying the candidates’ past history and his/her contribution to society and the country. We will serve the people 100 percent wherever we win.

What is the current status of your team? What kind of work have you done to reach out to the people?

People voted for different political parties in the past. Now, let me ask: Have those political leaders and parties worked as promised? Did they work as mentioned in their election manifesto?

If so, we salute them. If not, we will bring to the notice of the people that those who have not done anything for the people should be penalized.

People have the right to punish them through voting. People should not re-issue the license to loot the country and empty the state coffer. Voters should use their special discretion this time.

How is the preparation of the manifesto and commitment letter of your party for the local elections prepared?

We have prepared almost everything. We are trying to end the bad governance in the country. There is corruption everywhere. We will move forward keeping in mind the rule of law, participation, effectiveness, transparency and good governance.

There are reports that you are also vying for the mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City. 

In fact, it’s true. My friends and well-wishers have advised me to contest the election for the post of Kathmandu mayor. However, I am yet to reach a final decision.

Unfortunately, Kathmandu city has been one of the most polluted cities in the world. Therefore, this city needs a competent and visionary mayor. I have repeatedly said that Nepalis cannot betray their mothers. Therefore, if I find anyone who is able to become the Kathmandu mayor, I will support him/her.