Rabi Lamichhane Takes to the Field Carrying the Slogan of Change

Kathmandu, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chairman Rabi Lamichhane intensified his election campaign on Tuesday by visiting 11 locations in West Nawalparasi. He participated in voter meetings and election-focused programs organized in Sunwal, Praseni, Belaspur, Maheshpur, Bhujahawa, Suryapura, Belatari, Rupauliya, Gopiganj, Jhimirebhar, and Bardaghat.

The District Administration Office of West Nawalparasi had issued a notice on Monday stating that programs violating the election code of conduct should not be held. However, despite this notice, election-centered programs were organized in various locations across the district in the presence of Lamichhane. This has not only signaled a heating up of the election atmosphere but has also raised questions regarding the implementation and monitoring of the code of conduct.

Speaking at the election programs, Lamichhane mentioned that everyone must unite for real change in the country. He urged voters to use Fagun 21 (the election day) as a “day of change.” While keeping the administration’s warning in mind, he did not deliver long formal political speeches but rather, in a conversational style, asked for votes for his party’s candidates.

On Monday, the District Administration Office had formally urged RSP West Nawalparasi not to violate the election code of conduct. The notice issued by the administration clearly stated that such election-targeted programs are against the code of conduct. Assistant Chief District Officer and Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer Pushpa Raj Bhandari informed that after receiving information about the planned organization of programs contrary to the code of conduct, attention was drawn to not carry out such activities.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission has already issued directives not to conduct door-to-door campaigns and election programs after Fagun 4. However, despite the Commission’s directives, it appears that candidates and parties have not fully complied. The incident in West Nawalparasi indicates that the gap between electoral competition and adherence to the code of conduct is widening further.