KATHMANDU, Feb 28: Although many Dalit leaders possess the capability and competence to lead, they often encounter societal resistance rooted in caste discrimination. Despite these challenges, six Dalit candidates from various political parties are contesting the upcoming House of Representatives election for direct seats across Nepal.
The candidates are Prakash Sunar (Nepali Congress, Bajhang), Chakra Prasad Rasaili (UML, Dadeldhura), Bimala BK (UML, Bardiya-2), Padam Bishwakarma (Nepali Communist Party, Syangja-2), Man Bahadur Sunar (Nepali Communist Party, Kanchanpur-3), and Khagendra Sunar (Rastriya Swatantra Party, Banke-3).
Prakash Sunar, a joint general secretary of the Nepali Congress, entered parliament in the previous election as a proportional representation lawmaker. This time, he is seeking a direct mandate. His main rivals include Ain Bahadur Mahar (UML), Meen Bahadur Kunwar (NCP), and Shailendra Kumar Singh (RSP).
NC leader Manjit Tamrakar expressed confidence in Sunar’s victory, citing his experience as a central-level leader and former lawmaker. "Although the CPN (Unified Socialist) won here last time, the Dalit community makes up about 20 percent of the vote. Snehi has a strong base among them," Tamrakar said.
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In Dadeldhura, UML candidate Chakra Prasad Rasaili faces Nain Singh Mahar (NC), Mal Singh Mal (NCP), and Tara Joshi (RSP). The district has long been a stronghold of the Nepali Congress, with former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba consistently winning here since 2048 BS.
Despite this history, Rasaili believes the shifting political landscape favors him. Having been active in politics since his youth and serving as a National Assembly member in 2075 BS, he is relying on his experience and the district's significant Dalit population to secure victory.
Bimala BK of the UML is contesting directly in Bardiya-2 against Kishor Singh Rathore of the Nepali Congress, who previously won from Banke-3. In the last election, the seat was won by Lalbir Chaudhary of the Nagarik Unmukti Party.
According to her secretariat, BK’s experience as a former proportional representation lawmaker and her grassroots engagement with local communities could be key factors in her favor.
Padam Bishwakarma of the NCP is facing stiff competition from UML’s Khim Bahadur Thapa—a two-time rural municipality chairperson—and NC’s Bhagwat Prakash Malla, a former provincial assembly member.
Bishwakarma remains optimistic, pointing to the district's Dalit population and the withdrawal of candidates by the Biplav Party as factors that could improve his chances.
In Kanchanpur-3, NCP’s Man Bahadur Sunar is up against UML’s Deepak Prakash Bhatt, NC’s Hari Prasad Bohara, and RSP’s Gyanendra Mehta. Although the Nepali Congress has historically dominated the constituency, Sunar is banking on support from the high concentration of Dalit settlements in the Dodhara–Chandani area.
NPC leader Ganesh BK noted that this strong voter base could be decisive for Sunar.
Khagendra Sunar of the Rastriya Swatantra Party is contesting from Banke-3, facing Amarsingh Pun (NC) and Suman Malla (UML). While NC’s Kishore Singh Rathore won the seat in the last election, Sunar is hoping to attract the district's Dalit community, which makes up an estimated 12 to 13 percent of the vote.
Arjun Ghimire, Sunar’s private secretary, expressed confidence in the candidate’s prospects. "The RSP's growing national presence, combined with Khagendra Sunar's local appeal, strengthens his chances of victory," Ghimire said.
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