Local leaders said they have lately been participating in social and family gatherings be it wedding ceremonies, pooja functions or funuerals as their participation in such occasions would leave lasting impression on the people. [break]
On Wednesday, a huge crowd of relatives, neighbors and others had gathered at the house of Tika Ram Acharya at Dhairini in Narayanpur VDC-3. The occasion was the thirteenth day ritual of the death of Acharya´s wife Shiva Devi.
Election candidates from the constituency, Dang-3, did not miss campaigning opportunity here as well. Nepali Congress candidate for Dang-3, Raju Khanal, was the first among the four candidates from various political parties to visit the Acharya residence. After Khanal, CPN-UML candidate Laxman Acharya visited the house to condoled the death and consoled Acharya. Nirmal Acharya of UCPN (Maoist) and Tika Ram Sejuwal of Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal also did not miss the function.
As all the four candidates were quite actively interacting with the invitees, it was clear that they had visited the house not only to expresses their condolences but also to capitalize on the opportunity to reach out to the people for election purpose.
"The candidates came here mainly to express their condolences to the bereaved family members but they also sought support from the invitees in the coming elections," NC´s local leader Deepak Pandey told Republica.
Local leaders said they did so as they believe that their participation in such occasion helps win the people´s heart and minds. "Leaders´ participation in such functions leaves lasting impression on the family members and their relatives," said NC´s Ghorahi Municiaplity President Kishor Chandra Gautam. "The candidates can´t afford to miss such events especially ahead of the crucial elections."
Local leaders said such events are very useful for candidates also because they can meet scores of voters without having to make any effort.
UCPN (Maoist) candidate Nirmal Acharya, who was interacting with participants at a wedding ceremony here Thursday, said it is natural for them to seek the invitees´ support for elections. "As the elections are nearing, we definitely use such gatherings to canvass for votes," said Acharya.
While participating in a musical program organized by a local youth club in Ghorahi just ahead of Dashain, NC candidate Raju Khanal asked the audience to vote for him.
Khanal said they are working hard to manage time to attend each and every gatherings and events to be organized at local levels.
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