As the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21, 2082 B.S. approaches, political activity in Jhapa-2 is intensifying. The constituency has attracted a diverse mix of candidates, including the incumbent Speaker, Deputy Speaker, former ministers, members of the Constituent Assembly, legal professionals, and youth activists, making the political environment highly competitive.
A total of 18 candidates are contesting from this area, representing 15 political parties and three independents. Key candidates include Devraj Ghimire (CPN-UML, incumbent Speaker), Sarita Prasai (Nepali Congress), Dharmashila Chapagain (Nepali Communist Party), Indira Rana Magar (Rastriya Swatantra Party, incumbent Deputy Speaker), Bhadraprasad Nepal (Rastriya Prajatantra Party), Ramesh Kumar Rajbanshi (Janamat Party), Chandrakumari Garu (Nepal Mazdoor Kisan Party), Akal Bahadur Tamang (Mongol National Organization), Man Bahadur Pulami Magar (Nepal Janmukti Party), and Shriprasad Sitoula (Nepal Communist Party, United). Additional candidates include Amrita Lawati (Federal Democratic National Forum), Keshav Kumar Bhandari (Shram Sanskriti Party), Arjun Kumar Pandey (Nepal Communist Party, Maoist), Chudakarn Begha (Ujyalo Nepal Party), Til Bahadur Rai (Janata Samajwadi Party), and independents Punya Prasad Acharya, Ramesh Kumar Karki, and Dr. Yubaraj Sangraula.
Jhapa-2 comprises Arjundhara Municipality, wards 8 and 9 of Kankai Municipality, wards 1–3 of Buddhashanti Rural Municipality, and wards 1–9 of Birtamod Municipality. According to the Election Commission, the constituency has 147,522 registered voters, with 49 polling stations and 165 voting centers.
In the 2079 B.S. election, CPN-UML’s Devraj Ghimire won with 28,716 votes, while independent candidate Bhadraprasad Nepal was the runner-up with 26,455 votes. Other candidates included Harikumar Rana Magar (NCP-Maoist Center, 13,930 votes) and Rudra Prasad Giri (Rastriya Swatantra Party, 8,781 votes). Notably, Bhadraprasad Nepal is contesting again this year, representing the Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
In the proportional representation vote of 2079 B.S., CPN-UML received 26,490 votes, followed by Rastriya Swatantra Party with 22,517, Nepali Congress 15,498, Rastriya Prajatantra Party 7,880, NCP-Maoist Center 3,386, and NCP (Unified Socialist) 1,169 votes. In the previous election, CPN-UML coordinated with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, while NCP-Maoist Center candidates received support from Nepali Congress and NCP (Unified Socialist).
Historically, Jhapa-2 has been a stronghold of CPN-UML. In the 2074 B.S. election, Pavitra Kharel of UML was elected, while in the Second Constituent Assembly election (2070 B.S.), Prem Giri (UML) and in the First Constituent Assembly election, Dharmashila Chapagain (then CPN-Maoist) won. UML had also secured victories in elections prior to 2064 B.S.
The incumbent Speaker, Devraj Ghimire (UML), highlighted development achievements during his short three-year tenure, emphasizing the need for renewed public support to complete ongoing projects. He cited initiatives such as fencing along Deuniya River for elephant-affected areas, road expansion at major intersections in Birtamod–Arjundhara–Buddhashanti, and the near-completion of the Bhadrapur–Birtamod four-lane road.
Deputy Speaker and Rastriya Swatantra Party candidate, Indira Rana Magar, stressed her strong local presence and experience in assisting vulnerable children, citing her commitment to continuing development work and promoting social justice and inclusivity through constitutional measures.
Former minister and Nepali Communist Party candidate, Dharmashila Chapagain, proposed upgrading Birtamod to a sub-metropolitan city under a smart city plan, including safe temporary housing for women and girls, connecting youth to tourism, and promoting religious tourism at Shadutar Jaleshwar Dham and Garamuni Durga Temple.
Nepali Congress candidate Sarita Prasai focused on youth-led governance, youth-friendly laws, and empowering women and youth in agriculture to promote self-reliance. Independent candidate Dr. Yubaraj Sangraula highlighted the need for legal reforms and constitutional amendments, while Rastriya Prajatantra Party candidate Bhadraprasad Nepal emphasized protecting the Hindu state and Sanatan religion.
Local residents expressed that the new representative should focus on creating an investment-friendly environment in agriculture, energy, and industry. Mehar Magar (Arjundhara–8) said, “Investment in agriculture and small industries will help Arjundhara, Birtamod, and surrounding hilly areas prosper. We need a lawmaker who understands farmers’ problems and promotes education, health, and small industries.” Similarly, Krishna Chudal (Birtamod–4) emphasized the need for a visionary MP capable of establishing medical hubs, educational development, and industrial parks in Chhappane.
With high-profile candidates, multi-dimensional development plans, and elevated local expectations, Jhapa-2 has emerged as one of the most closely watched constituencies in this election.
This article was originally published on https://bajarkochirfar.com. Translated with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
