Madhesi parties fielding fewer young candidates

KATHMANDU, Oct 6: Action speaks louder than words. Even though Madhesi parties have been harping about giving priority to young leaders while distributing election tickets, they have miserably failed to live up to their pledge. For instance, the Mahanth Thakur-led Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party has altogether 117 candidates, but only 26 of them are youths. [break]



The number of candidates below 40 years of age, fielded by the major four Madhesi parties -- Upendra Yadav-led Madhesi People´s Right Forum-Nepal (MPRF-N), Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar-led MPRF-D, Mahanth Thakur-led Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party (TMDP), and Rajendra Mahato-led Sadbhavana Party (SP) -- stands at 228, out of total 576 candidates, a mere 39 per cent.



Speaking to Republica, TMDP Vice Chairman Brikhesh Chandra Lal said they have selected 26 candidates below 40 years under the first-past-the-post (FPTP) electoral system. “We selected youth candidates who participated in the Madhesh movement actively, are active in the party activities, committed toward the party and educated.”



MPRF-N Spokesperson Ratneshwar Lal Kayastha said they have picked 80 youth candidates out of 135 candidates announced for FPTP electoral system. “Out of 80 youth candidates, 17 are women,” said Kayastha, adding that they chose youths candidates who have completed their university level education.



“Other bases for selection were commitment to the cause of Madhesh, active participation in the Madhesh movement, and good image,” added Kayastha.

MPRF-D leader Parmanand Mehta said that they have selected 63 youth candidates out of 169.



SP General Secretary Manish Suman said that they have picked 59 youth candidates from the list of altogether 155 candidates. “Party Vice Chairman Sanjay Sah will contest the poll from constituency number 4 of Dhanusha, Om Prakash Guljari from constituency number 6 of Rauthat and Mirza Arshad Beg from constituency number 5 of Kapilvastu,” added Suman.



SP Spokesperson Santosh Mehta will contest the poll against MPRF-N Chairman Upendra Yadav from constituency number 5 of Sunsari.



Similarly, Yogendra Yadav picked for constituency number 1 of Rauthat will contest against CPN (UML) senior leader Madhav Kumar Nepal. Shankar Pradhan, selected for constituency number 5 of Dhanusha, will contest the poll against CPN (UML) leader Raghuvir Mahaseth, who was elected in the last Constituent Assembly election from the same constituency.

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