Jhapa–2 Election Overview: Candidate Profiles and Comparative Analysis

Jhapa–2 is a key parliamentary constituency in eastern Nepal with 147,522 registered voters. In the upcoming election, 18 candidates are contesting, but public attention is largely focused on the race between Devraj Ghimire of CPN-UML and Indira Rana Magar of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The contest is notable as it pits two former parliamentary presiding officers against each other.

Disclaimer: This content is strictly for voter information and civic education. It does not promote or oppose any candidate or political party.

Candidate Profile: Devraj Ghimire (CPN-UML)

Basic Information

• Name: Devraj Ghimire
  
  
  
• Party: Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) (CPN-UML)
  
  
  
• Age: 69
  
• Education: Intermediate of Arts
  
• Known for: Senior politician with a long-standing communist political background
  

Political Background

Devraj Ghimire has been active in politics from 1976 to 2026. He has been a member of CPN-UML since 1978 and is not a first-time election candidate. He previously served as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2023–2025).

Last Election History

• Constituency: Jhapa–2
  
• Position Contested: Member of Parliament
  
• Votes Received: 28,716+
  
• Result: Won
  

Key Promises (Based on Party Manifesto)

His campaign reflects the broader CPN-UML manifesto, which includes:

• Annual Rs 1,500 support for women to purchase sanitary pads under the Healthy Periods program
  
• Provision of 10,000 liters of drinking water and up to 50 units of free electricity per month
  
• Employment generation for 500,000 people
  
• Minimum monthly salary of Rs 25,000
  
• Expanding Nepal’s economy to Rs 10 trillion within five years
  

Past Performance

• Held multiple parliamentary leadership roles
  
• Initiated and supported party-led social welfare and economic programs
  
• Public record largely tied to legislative leadership rather than local project execution

Strengths:

• Experienced and senior political leader with long-term party loyalty
  
• Known for emphasis on democratic processes, dialogue, and parliamentary cooperation
  

Limitations:

• Criticism regarding perceived lack of impartiality while managing House proceedings, particularly during opposition protests

Candidate Profile: Indira Rana Magar (RSP)

Basic Information

• Name: Indira Rana Magar
  
  
  
• Party: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) 🔔
  
  
  
• Age: 55
  
• Education: Master’s degree in Sociology
  
• Known for: Social activist and Founder of Prisoners Assistance Nepal
  

Political Background

Indira Rana Magar entered formal politics in 2022 and has been a party member since then. She is not a first-time parliamentary representative.
She served as Deputy Speaker (2022–2025).

Election History

• Entered Parliament through the proportional representation system
  

Key Promises

• Improving the quality and accessibility of education
  
• Advocacy-based reforms informed by social work experience
  (As stated in speeches, interviews, and party positions)
  

Past Performance

• Extensive experience in the social sector
  
• Leadership in civil society and advocacy initiatives
  
• No prior executive role in elected local or federal government
  

Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Strong understanding of social justice and welfare issues
  
• Leadership experience and background in education and activism
  

Limitations:

• Relatively short formal political career
  
• Limited experience in large-scale government administration