TULSIPUR, June 20: With the successful conclusion of the filing of candidacies a day ago, the local polls slated for June 28 is confirmed to take place as planned. Locals of provinces 1, 5 and 7, where the elections are being held, are excited to have new mayors and chiefs of their respective rural municipalities. With the election day just eight days away, Republica talked with some of the candidates of Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City in Dang district on what they would contribute if they win. Excerpts:
Gehendra Giri, Nepali Congress (NC) mayoral candidate
Upon winning the elections, my main agenda will be to solve the squatter problem because that is the biggest problem of this sub-metropolitan city. Unmanaged settlements have given our city a deformed look. I would properly manage the settlement issues and lead our city to prosperity. My other agendas would be to make Tulsipur a clean and green city.
Myagdi candidates elaborate on their agendas
Devika Nepali, NC deputy mayoral candidate
My main agenda would be to make Tulsipur Sub-metropolitan City a prosperous city. I would give special attention to women empowerment and equal involvement of underprivileged communities like women of Dalit community in carrying out developmental works. I would also take steps to provide employment opportunities to youths within our areas, which would prevent them from leaving the country for foreign employment.
Ghanshyam Pandey, CPN-UML's mayoral candidate
A prosperous city would be my first agenda. I will strive to provide every facility to the homes of the locals. I am well aware about the needs of the people here and I also know how to address it. I filed my candidacy so that I can fulfill the needs of the locals and lead the city toward prosperity.
Sheshu Ram Bhandari, CPN (Maoist Center), mayoral candidate
I plan to destroy the old system and establish the new one. Corruption has deep roots in Tulsipur and eradicating it would be my first agenda. Likewise, I would aim to make the city well managed by making waste management mandatory. Youth employment, metro city development, and quality upgradation of health and education sectors would be my objectives.
Sita Oli, CPN (Maoist Center), deputy mayoral candidate
Eradication of social discrimination and implementing drastic changes would be my first agenda. Ending the existing discrimination based on race, caste and area would be my agenda. Likewise, I will work to eradicate the roots of corruption in Tulsipur. Every citizen residing within Tulsipur would be able to fend for food, shelter and clothes, as well as get proper healthcare if I win.