As the Lions International District ‘325 C’ conference nears on Chaitra 23 in Biratnagar, the race for the position of Second Vice Governor has gained momentum, with candidates ramping up their campaigns.
Candidates in the Race
Ajita Kumari Baral and current Cabinet Treasurer Ramesh Khatri are the two contenders vying for the position. Both candidates have been actively engaging with voters, hosting public events, and conducting door-to-door campaigns to present their agendas.
Campaign Efforts
On Tuesday, Baral organized a ‘Meet, Greet, and Bless’ event at the Lions Club meeting hall in Itahari, Sunsari, where she appealed to attendees for their support. She underscored her commitment to responsible leadership and strengthening women’s representation in the organization.
“I am contesting this election to ensure accountability and enhance women’s role in leadership positions. As the first woman to run for this post in the district, I urge all leaders, presidents, and voters to support my candidacy,” Baral stated.
If elected, she pledged to elevate the Lions Club and unify its members. “Women’s leadership is essential to address internal challenges and inefficiencies within the organization,” she added.
Calls for Female Leadership
During the event, several prominent figures, including former governors Phul Kumar Lalwani and Rewat Bahadur Karki, along with former Nepal Jaycees President Bholeshwor Dulal, expressed their support for female leadership in the district. They emphasized the need for increased participation of women in decision-making roles.
Ranjita Khanal Parajuli, President of Lions Club Biratnagar Innovative, and Tej Bahadur Puri, President of Lions Club of Itahari Sunsari, also spoke at the event. Parajuli criticized the longstanding neglect of women in leadership positions and stressed the necessity of breaking this cycle.
Unopposed Candidates and Other Elections
Meanwhile, Babar Jung Thapa and First Vice District Governor Lila Chimoriya remain unopposed in their respective races for Governor and First Vice Governor. The district, comprising 154 clubs and over 3,000 members, is also seeing competition for the Lions International Director position, with Rewat Bahadur Karki and Lila Dhungel among the contenders.
With the election approaching, the competition continues to heat up as candidates work to secure voter confidence and support.