Nepali migrant workers are returning home from India to cast their votes in the second phase of local polls being held on June 28.

There has been an influx of migrants through Jhulaghat border in Baitadi in the recent days. Jhulaghat border is one of the main gateways used by the people of Baitadi, Bajhang, Bajura and Achham  districts to enter India as well as to return home.

“Up to 90 people are returning home through this route daily,” said a businessman at the Jhulaghat. “Usually, Nepali migrants only come home during festival, plantation and harvest seasons.”  

Naresh Bohara of Bugal Municipality, Bajhang, who works in Pithoragarh, India, said he returned home to participate in the local elections.

“I had gone to India after the wheat sowing season last year. I took leave from my work and returned home so that I could vote,” he said.

 Jayanta Thapa of Badimalika, Bajura, also took the Jhulaghat route to return home to vote in the upcoming elections.

 “I will be voting for the candidates who are capable of developing my village,” he said.

Thapa like many other Nepalis work at road construction sites.

Dhanbir Saud of Thalakhada, Baitadi, said he and most Nepalis who work in India usually returned home once every year.

“This time is different, though,” he said. “We are returning home to elect local representatives for our areas.”

The migrant workers hope to see the day when there will be no need for them to go to Indian cities in search of jobs.

 “We hope to see development works in our areas after this election. There are little or no employment opportunities in our villages. We expect that to change once the local level elections are held,” said Ram Bahadur Budha of Bajura. “We want the elected officials to bring development in our areas and create jobs for us.”

Minister Karki breaches poll code

BHOJPUR:  Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki on Sunday attended various election publicity programmes in Bhjopur, breaching the election code of conduct.

Karki arrived in the district in a chartered helicopter to support the candidates from his party, Nepali Congress. According to the directive of Local Level Elections,  government ministers cannot attend election publicity campaigns or public programmes.

The Bhojpur chapter of CPN-UML has filed a complaint against Finance Minister Karki for violating the election code. (PR)