Nepali Congress projects winning 10 seats in Sudurpaschim

Dhangadhi: The Nepali Congress has conducted an internal analysis indicating that it is likely to win 10 out of 16 seats in Sudurpaschim in the upcoming elections on Falgun 21. The party, which secured eight seats in 2079 BS, is optimistic about increasing its tally this time.

In the 2079 BS House of Representatives election, the Nepali Congress fielded candidates in only nine of the 16 constituencies in Sudurpaschim. Contesting in alliance with the Maoists and Unified Socialists, the party won eight of the nine seats it contested. Victories were recorded in Kailali-4 and 5, Kanchanpur-2 and 3, Achham-2, Dadeldhura, Darchula, and Bajura. The only Congress candidate to lose was Ramjanam Chaudhary, who was defeated by Ranjita Shrestha Chaudhary of Citizen Liberation in Kailali-1.

Having emerged as the leading party in the province three years ago by winning eight out of nine constituencies, the Nepali Congress has fielded candidates in all 16 constituencies this time. Of the eight winners from 2079 BS, only Narayan Prakash Saund and Pushpa Bahadur Shah have received tickets again, while the remaining 14 candidates are new faces. The party believes that these new candidates will strengthen its position in the province.

A leader of the Nepali Congress Sudurpaschim Province Committee stated that the number of seats is expected to increase because candidates are contesting in all constituencies. "We will win at least 10 seats," he said. According to the internal analysis, Congress candidates are likely to secure victories in Kailali-1, 4 and 5, Kanchanpur-2 and 3, Achham-1, Dadeldhura, Bajura, Doti, and Baitadi. The party also reports favorable election conditions in Kailali-2 and 3, Kanchanpur-1, Achham-2, and Bajhang.