Groundsite Reporting from the Electoral Epicenter of Jhapa-5: What Do Voters Say?

Jhapa. Currently, election fever has gripped the entire country. Following the Gen Z movement, public resentment toward old political parties has increased. Consequently, a massive wave of public support for new parties, including RSP, has been observed across the nation.

Nevertheless, the major established political parties—UML, Congress, and Maoist Center—are actively engaged in door-to-door programs in villages with the goal of seizing power. Meanwhile, Jhapa District Constituency No. 5 has become the talk of the town as the electoral epicenter.

Jhapa 5 has drawn everyone's attention after former Prime Minister and Chairman of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli and former Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Balen Shah entered the electoral race from this constituency.

The Nepal News Bank team conducted on-site reporting in various locations of Gauriganj Rural Municipality, Kamal Rural Municipality, and Gauradaha in Jhapa district. During this reporting, while some voters appeared undecided on whom to vote for, the majority of local residents expressed trust in former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Locals stated that they recognize Oli as a development-oriented leader. According to them, KP Sharma Oli has made significant contributions to the development of basic infrastructure such as roads, education, health, electricity, and transportation in Jhapa-5.

Speaking at a program, local resident Rita Devi Giri said that KP Sharma Oli has "taken Jhapa from one era to another." Citing the change in transportation facilities as an example, she said, "Previously, it used to cost up to five hundred rupees to go to Biratnagar; now it can be done for 50 rupees." Recalling Oli's role in expanding services and facilities, she emphasized the need for an experienced leader who understands his own region.

Similarly, another local, Sudhir Kumar Shah, appears confident about KP Sharma Oli's victory. He said, "Storm-like things are momentary, but the value of a leader who performs permanent work is seen over time." According to him, Oli has done many important works during his three terms, though he admitted that weaknesses can occur at times.

Voter Anandi Thakur also says her faith in KP Sharma Oli remains unshaken. "I have been voting for the Sun symbol since I started voting," she said. While she believes the arrival of the youth generation is positive, she maintains that continuing with experienced and proven leadership is necessary for development.

KP Sharma Oli himself, while interacting with the public, urged them to prioritize education and social development. Stating that no child should be deprived of education, he expressed the view that "If we educate our children, poverty will disappear on its own." He said that a strong foundation for the country's development can be laid through simple but continuous efforts.

Urging people not to follow rumors and hype, Oli cautioned the public saying, "Let us keep good company ourselves, and let us do good work ourselves." Looking at the public support and the sentiments of the locals in Jhapa-5, there is a significant number of voters who regard KP Sharma Oli as an experienced, development-oriented, and reliable leader.