KATHMANDU: The by-elections for the Mayor of Kirtipur Municipality, scheduled for December 1, have stirred up a heated political climate in the area, with both political parties and independent candidates vying for control.
As Kirtipur is a municipality close to the federal capital, Kathmandu, it has become a matter of political prestige for various parties.
A total of 20 candidates initially registered for the mayoral race, including representatives from various parties and independents.
However, following the endorsement of Unified Socialist candidate Bhanu Rijal for Maoist Center’s Shiva Sharan Maharjan, the number of candidates has been reduced to 19.
Among the 19 contenders, only a handful are generating significant discussion, with five candidates emerging as the main contenders: Nepali Congress’s Krishnaman Dangol, CPN UML’s Dr. Surendra Manandhar, Maoist Center’s Shiva Sharan Maharjan, independent candidate Rajman Maharjan, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party’s Dhruba Maharjan, all running aggressive campaigns.
Independent candidates, especially Rajman Maharjan, have garnered considerable attention across the country.
Rajman, running with the election symbol of ‘Keta Keti’ (Boy and Girl), has gained support from local independents and Harkaraj Sampang, the mayor of Dharan Sub-metropolitan City.
The race is heating up, with several independent candidates, including Nawaraj Kumar Baniya, Prem Bahadur Maharjan, and Ram Krishna Maharjan, also vying for the mayor’s position.
His candidacy has sparked interest among voters, who are eager to see a new face in Kirtipur’s leadership.
Another independent candidate, Shree Krishna Maharjan of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party, is also being discussed, though the campaigns of other independents and party candidates have yet to gain significant traction.
Kirtipur Municipality is not only historically, archaeologically, and culturally significant but also serves as an important educational hub in the country.
As a result, candidates are focusing their campaigns on issues such as education, healthcare, drinking water, and infrastructure development.
While party candidates are promoting traditional political agendas, independents have focused on employment opportunities and addressing local concerns such as land disputes and access to clean drinking water.
On Wednesday, Khabarhub’s team visited Kirtipur and observed some candidates making their final rounds at voters’ doorsteps.
Several candidates were also engaging voters through corner meetings.
Dhruba Maharjan, the RPP candidate, was actively campaigning in the Sahasari area, accompanied by supporters, and held a public meeting at the main square.
RPP leaders, including Chairman Rajendra Lingden, Vice Chairman Rabindra Mishra, and Federal MP Gyanendra Shahi, were present to lend their support.
Maharjan, who is an engineer by profession, told Khabarhub that his youth and fresh perspective would resonate with voters, especially the younger demographic.
“The people have already tested my competitors from other parties, and I feel it’s time they ‘test’ me. As a young professional, I’m committed to the overall development of Kirtipur, and I believe the youth will support me,” he said.
He also promised to address Kirtipur’s ongoing drinking water problems if elected.
Meanwhile, Krishnaman Dangol, the Nepali Congress candidate, completed his final door-to-door campaign on Wednesday and held a public meeting on Thursday.
Dangol, a school administrator and local social worker, has been active in Kirtipur for many years and is positioned as a strong contender after winning the mayoral election in 2079 BS.
He emphasized that the Nepali Congress party’s hold over Kirtipur remains strong and is confident of his victory in this by-election.
“After much struggle, Kirtipur was taken from the communists in 2079 BS, and now, under Nepali Congress, the municipality is moving forward with a clear development plan. I have been involved in politics for four decades, and I understand the local issues well. My main agenda is to improve drinking water and healthcare services for the people of Kirtipur,” Dangol said.
General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, and senior leader Bishwaprakash Sharma joined Dangol at the public meeting, and Dangol is optimistic about the turnout, saying, “The Congress has already won. The presence of voters at our rallies shows their enthusiasm. But, of course, elections must go on for the process.”
The mayoral race in Kirtipur was triggered by the unexpected death of Mayor Rajkumar Nakarmi, who passed away during treatment at Bir Hospital.
The Election Commission will hold by-elections on December 1 in 42 vacant local municipalities, including Kirtipur, and 2 local coordination committees.
The race is heating up, with several independent candidates, including Nawaraj Kumar Baniya, Prem Bahadur Maharjan, and Ram Krishna Maharjan, also vying for the mayor’s position.
Manandhar’s campaign has also been marked by controversy surrounding the land given by Bhatbhateni Supermarket owner Min Bahadur Gurung to the UML for its head office in Kirtipur-3, which has become a key talking point during the election.
Despite the fierce competition, Manandhar remains a strong contender, particularly among voters who prioritize the city’s long-term development.
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