DADELDHURA (Amargadhi), Feb 22: “This time there is hardly any election buzz. If Badda (Sher Bahadur Deuba) had come, the mood would have picked up a week earlier. People would gather. There would be conversations,” said Pawan Deuba, owner of “Baje Ko Khir Pasal” at Sahukhark, about 21 km before reaching the district headquarters, Amargadhi.
He added with disappointment, “It does not even feel like an election this time. There is no excitement.”
His remark reflects a wider sentiment. Dadeldhura, where Sher Bahadur Deuba has been winning elections continuously from 1991 to 2022, is still waiting for his presence.
Not only Nepali Congress workers, but also supporters and activists from other parties also say the election season feels dull without Deuba physically present or without hearing him speak.
NC wins in five out of seven local units in PM Deuba's district
Rastriya Prajatantra Party district treasurer Sagar Nagarkoti also hinted at the same feeling. “Whatever the case, Badda should have come. He did not. Now the contest will be between RPP and Congress,” he said.
“Baje Ko Khir Pasal” usually draws steady crowds, especially dessert lovers. Many visitors there echoed the same view. One passerby said, “Without him, it does not feel like election season.”
According to shop owner Pawan, when Deuba visits, people flock in even from neighboring districts such as Doti, Bajhang, and Baitadi. Traffic rises and villages become lively. “Still, no leader like Deuba has been born in Dadeldhura. Now it feels quiet,” he said. Interestingly, Pawan’s grandfather, after whom the shop is named, was also called Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Nepali Congress candidate Nain Singh Mahar is working to protect the party’s traditional stronghold in Deuba’s absence. He says he enjoys Deuba’s goodwill. “His blessing and support are with me. That is certain,” Mahar said.
He remains hopeful that Deuba will visit before polling. A Congress leader in Dadeldhura said Deuba is expected around Falgun 15 or 16 unless unforeseen circumstances arise.
Mahar has pledged to work in line with public expectations. Congress supporters admit the party faces a tougher test this time in maintaining its winning streak.
From CPN UML, Chakra Snehi has entered the race for the first time and is trying to capitalize on Deuba’s absence. UML is campaigning hard in the district.
Tara Prasad Joshi, who moved from UML to Rastriya Swatantra Party, is also contesting and believes voters are searching for an alternative force. He says his main fight is with the Nepali Congress.
Man Singh Mal from the Nepal Communist Party is also seen as a strong contender.
In total, 13 candidates are in the fray in Dadeldhura. Still, the main competition appears to be among Nepali Congress, CPN UML, Nepal Communist Party, and Rastriya Swatantra Party.
In the 2022 election, Deuba won his seventh victory with 25,534 votes, defeating independent candidate Sagar Dhakal, who secured 13,042 votes.
Compared to 2022, only 202 voters have been added this time. Dadeldhura now has 93,403 registered voters, with 104 polling stations and 141 polling centers in place.
