Businessmen associated with the Nepalgunj Chamber of Commerce and Industry are divided into panels aligned with different political parties in the ongoing election.

In the election scheduled to conclude in two weeks, the businessmen are competing by naming their panels as Democratic Entrepreneur’s Association close to the Nepali Congress, Samabeshi Sajha Samuha close to the CPN-UML and Samabeshi Panel close to the CPN (Maoist Centre).

Keeping in mind the upcoming local body elections, the political parties have perceived the local chamber’s election as a test of their stronghold in Nepalgunj Municipality. Leaders of the three major parties are organising door-to-door campaigns.

The Samabeshi Sajha Samuha has been led by Kapil Adhikari, while the Democr-atic Entrepreneur’s Associat-ion, also supported by the Madhesi Morcha, is headed by Gopal Adhikari. The Sama-beshi Panel has named Nanda Lal Baishya as its leader.

Although the parties claim the electoral environment has favoured them, the membership debate is expected to impact the upcoming election.

Businessmen of Samabeshi Sajha Samuha are dissented over a voting ban imposed on 206 of their members from Kohalpur over double membership issue. The group has accused the authorities of being prejudiced while imposing the ban. The local administration has sent a letter to the Chamber stating it will form an investigation committee, allow an opportunity to the members to come clean and will take a final decision.

Uncertainty is also looming over the election as the businessmen prepare to take matters to the court.

As of present, the chamber has 3,131 voters.

The Democratic Entrepreneurs Association has claimed the results will be in their favour because of a strong alliance with the Madhesi Morcha-affiliated businessmen. “A common panel with the Morcha is the basis for our win. Also, we have forwarded our commitment to work for the benefits of the businessmen,” said Bishnu Lamichanne, general secretary of the association. “The voters are excited because of our promotional campaigns, particularly the door-to-door programmes.”

Likewise, the Samabeshi Sajha Samuha has claimed the election will pan out in their favour. “The entrepreneurs are dissented with the democratic group because of one-sided ban imposed against the law,” said Kapil Adhikari, the panel leader. “We are

fighting in the elections with a strong determination against unethical practices in the association. Thus, we believe the businessmen will support us.”  

Nandalal Baishya, electoral candidate from Sambeshi Panel, said the businessmen of Nepalgunj favour them. “Our panel is popular because it is more inclusive,” said Baishya. “The environment has also favoured us because of the support from the Madhesi businessmen.”

All the candidates are actively reaching out to the voters in major areas like Khajura, Kohalpur, Ranjha and Nepalgunj.