GORKHA: Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has decided to contest the House of Representatives election from Gorkha-2. The race in this constituency, previously represented by Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ will now see a direct contest between Bhattarai of the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party and UML candidate Milan Gurung, popularly known as ‘Chakre Milan.’
Dr. Bhattarai, taking the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party’s election symbol “Eye,” confirmed that he will enter the race following requests from local leaders, party workers, and voters. “I had planned to take a break, but friends here encouraged me to contest since there is still work to be done,” he said. He arrived in Gorkha on Saturday, consulted with local supporters, and finalized his candidacy.
Bhattarai has previously won from this constituency in 2064 and 2074 BS and won Gorkha-1 in the 2070 BS Second Constituent Assembly election. He had vacated Gorkha-2 in 2079 BS for Prachanda, who won in coalition with the Nepali Congress. With Prachanda now heading to Rukum East, Bhattarai has returned to contest from Gorkha-2.
On the other hand, UML has fielded Milan Gurung in Gorkha-2. The decision was finalized in the UML Secretariat meeting on Saturday, with party chair KP Sharma Oli proposing his candidacy. Gurung was also recommended as a candidate in 2079 BS but could not run at that time. Active in UML since 2050 BS, Gurung emphasizes his continuous involvement in social service and politics.
However, Gurung remains a controversial figure, having faced multiple past allegations of hooliganism, which he claims were politically motivated.
The upcoming March 5 election in Gorkha-2 is being closely watched as a significant face-off between Baburam Bhattarai and Chakre Milan.
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