KATHMANDU: Identity politics leaders from Koshi Province are set to be incorporated into the Ujyalo Nepal Party, which is being established by Energy Minister Kulman Ghising.
According to identity activist and Ilam-2 by-election candidate Dakendra Thegim, Saraswati Limbu Saru from Taplejung will become a central committee member of the new party.
Dr. Mahendra Lawoti from Panchthar and Thegim from Ilam will also be included as central members. Thegim had contested the Ilam-2 by-election under the election symbol of Mudra, representing Mayor Harka Sampang of Dharan.
This move is expected to affect Harka Sampang’s Shram Sanskriti Party in eastern Nepal. Despite leading district-level campaigns in Panchthar, Sampang is likely to lose support from local leaders in Ilam and Panchthar.
Dr. Lawoti is the eldest son of the late Padma Sundar Lawati, and his brother Sagun Sundar Lawoti is currently affiliated with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
Limbu, Thegim, and Lawoti are leaders who previously participated in movements opposing the naming of Koshi Province. They have also opposed projects such as the construction of a cable car in Pathibhara.
Thegim told Khabarhub that discussions are ongoing to bring more identity leaders from the eastern region into Ghising’s party.
“Many of our colleagues will be accommodated in the party. This party is in a position to address our demands and issues,” Thegim said. “We have been in dialogue from the beginning, and even though Kulman is currently a minister, he will manage the party in the future.”
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