Gadal, who is a candidate from Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), belongs to a Dalit family and her competitor from the constituency is CPN-UML Chairman Jhalanath Khanal, who has won election from the same constituency three times in the past. Undeterred though, Gadal is in the race and is no less hopeful of her victory. [break]
“I hope to win the elections,” says Gadal. “People have already seen other leaders and know who they want now. Now it is only our party that can ensure peace and prosperity,” she added.
As a little girl, Gadal unlike her friends from her community is well-read. However, she always craved for knowledge. “I wanted to read more and be more competent. However, it was out of question for girls then,” Gadal reminisced.
She was born in Naamsaling village of Ilam district. Later her family migrated to Fikkal. Gadal remembers that she always longed to be socially active and widen her horizons.
“But at that time, there were clearly different roles for men and women. Politics was something women weren´t supposed to enter,” said Gadal. “However, I always wanted to be in politics.”
As she realized that competency comes with education and awareness she vowed to educate her children. She has eight children. “It was difficult but I somehow managed to educate all my children.”
Gadal joined RPP in her 30s. She has remained active in politics since. “However, this I believe is the turning point in my life. I feel very special that I am contesting a historic election.”
The number of registered voters from her constituency is 59,814 and Gadal claims that she commands majority support in the constituency. “We have massive support of the people. We will definitely sweep the votes this time.”
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