Politics as a Responsibility for Public Welfare: Khadga Phago

Urlabari. Khadga Phago, the Nepali Congress candidate for the House of Representatives from Morang Constituency No. 1, has stated that politics should be understood as a responsibility to improve people's lives rather than merely a means to attain power. 

During voter meetings, door-to-door campaigns, and interaction programs held in various locations as part of his election campaign, he clarified that his main agenda is to identify and solve the actual problems of the region.

"Politics should not be for positions and chairs; it should be to make people's lives easier," Phago said during dialogues with voters in Urlabari, Kerabari, and Miklajung. "Development carried out without solving the daily problems faced by the people is merely for show." According to him, development is not just about buildings, gates, or laying foundation stones, but about making the daily lives of citizens easy, safe, and dignified.

Phago mentioned that the problems of both rural and urban areas of Morang-1 should not be viewed through the same lens. He stated that while roads, irrigation, agricultural markets, and employment are major challenges in rural areas, organized urban planning, drinking water, sewage management, and environmental risks are growing problems in urban settlements. 

"Roads are built, but there is no quality. There are hospitals, but one has to stand in line for hours to get service. There are schools, but parents are not satisfied," he said. "The priority now is not just to add structures, but to make existing structures people-friendly and effective."

Phago described education and health as basic rights and said that improving quality, rather than just access, is the major challenge in these sectors. He believes that teacher management, technical education, and curricula based on local needs are necessary to raise the standard of community schools. 

Regarding health, Phago says that despite having primary health centers and hospitals, there are weaknesses in skilled manpower, equipment, and service delivery. "The compulsion to go to Biratnagar or Dharan even for general treatment has not yet ended," he said. "Providing reliable health services at the local level is my priority."

Phago said it is a matter of concern that the youth of Morang-1 are forced to migrate abroad in search of employment. According to him, if agricultural modernization, production-processing, and market systems are strengthened, sufficient employment can be created within this region. "Farmers produce, but they don't get a market. 

Prices are unstable. There is control by middlemen," Phago said. "If the state brings a clear policy from production to marketing, the youth will see possibilities in the village." He emphasized agricultural cooperatives, cold storage, processing industries, and the expansion of local market networks.

Phago also noted that environmental problems are increasing along with rapid urbanization. He stated that unorganized settlements, river encroachment, and deforestation have increased the risk of floods and inundation. 

He mentioned that political cooperation and a positive culture are essential for development. During the voter meetings, local residents demanded road upgrades, job creation, guaranteed markets for agricultural produce, improved health services, and quality education.

Many also complained that promises made during elections are not implemented. Responding to this, Phago said, "If the people trust me with their votes, I will address those demands through policies and programs. I believe in work rather than speeches."