KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has said he has entered the upcoming House of Representatives election to safeguard the Constitution and uphold parliamentary supremacy.
Addressing an election campaign program in Jamungachhi, Biratnagar-5, under Morang constituency-6 on Tuesday, Koirala said he is contesting the election to protect parliamentary supremacy and freedom.
During interactions with locals, Koirala argued that without the supremacy of Parliament, even the Nepali Congress could drift toward communism. “Send me to Parliament to ensure parliamentary supremacy,” he said. “If Congress does not maintain its dominance in Parliament, it too could become communist, which the people of Biratnagar do not want. The country’s political situation is serious, so I expect everyone to take the election seriously and cast their votes.”
Koirala also stressed the need to understand emerging political parties, claiming that negative narratives and rumors have been spread against traditional parties. “It is necessary to counter the misinformation spread by new parties about old political forces. Everyone must remain vigilant,” he said.
Referring to the Gen-Z uprising, he claimed the country has been pushed backward since the movement and that it led to elections being brought forward by two years. “This is not just an election; it has become a referendum,” he added.
He further said that youths living abroad should understand the ground realities before influencing their families to support certain parties. “Those abroad must understand the situation here. When problems arise at home, it is we who stand with their parents,” he said.
Highlighting development works in Biratnagar, Koirala said progress has gained momentum in various wards. He noted that Biratnagar Metropolitan City was ranked first by the National Natural Resources and Fiscal Commission, attributing the achievement to public support and Congress-led leadership.
On delays in constructing the Hulaki Highway section from Jamungachhi toward Sunsari, Koirala acknowledged public dissatisfaction but claimed the issue was addressed by Congress. He said the contractor had disappeared after the state failed to release payments, and efforts were made to track down the contractor and complete the road. “The entire state mechanism had to be mobilized to complete this road,” he said.
Koirala also identified embankment construction along the Keshalia and Budhi rivers as a top priority, noting that western wards of Biratnagar—4, 5, 11 and 12—face annual flooding. He pledged to take necessary initiatives to build embankments and prevent inundation.
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