By TNW correspondent
With Balen Shah and Rabi Lamichhane kicking off jointly real time election campaign and parties finalizing candidates, the forthcoming parliamentary poll has drawn special attention of all in politics and outside it.
The duo, considered highly popular among youths particularly engaged in social media, could emerge as leading figures for the 165-directly-elected -member-House of Representatives poll, said a senior politician.
Other notable candidates drawing huge public attention are newly elected NC President Gagan Thapa, Kul Man Ghishing, Head of Ujyalo Party.Thapa is preferred for his emphasis on changing policies of old party while Ghising is known for his managerial skill.
Ishwar Pokhrel and Yogesh Bhattarai of CPN UML have been the talk of the town for not being picked up by CPN UML as candidates for their convention-time- opposition to Oli, noted a media analyst.
RenuDahal, who became Mayor of Bharatpur Municipality as a daughter of then Maoist leader (current Coordinator of Nepal Communist Party) Prachanda, has captured attention of poll as a high performing leader on her own on the basis of what she could deliver in Chitawan as Mayor. Popular support for her in her constituency appears ensured, said a campaign-observer.
Equally appealing is the candidature and style of former Dharan–Mayor Harka Sampang, the head of Shram Sanskriti Party. His performance as a Mayor could be enough for him to win a seat in the parliament, observed a former MP.
Old time politicos, some of them highly sensational candidates in the past, are also contesting the forthcoming election; campaigning this time is giving them a unique uphill experience.
Competing with youths, it appears, is proving to be challenging for them, explained a politico. “Past campaigning tricks simply do not work this time,” a former minister said while narrating campaign-experience.
