Dharan, September 2 - Dharan’s outspoken Mayor Harka Sampang has once again drawn national attention through his sharp criticism of the country’s governance system. Speaking about the challenges he has faced, Mayor Sampang remarked that even positive initiatives are being met with legal obstacles.
“In this country, if I say I’ll open an industry, I get a case filed against me; if I do voluntary labor, I get a case filed; if I say I’ll plant maize, I get a case filed. What kind of country is this? And I want to ask-whose country is this?” he questioned.
Sampang, known for his grassroots campaigns and emphasis on community participation, expressed frustration that his efforts-whether carrying stones for infrastructure projects or planting trees-have resulted in legal challenges rather than support.
He also responded to repeated inquiries about whether he plans to form a political party. Confirming the move, he said:
“Yes, we will open one. But in this party, no one will become anyone’s cadre, only contributors of labor. We will not call them cadres, we will call them labor donors.”
The mayor’s announcement signals a possible new wave of political experimentation in Nepal, grounded in volunteerism and people’s direct contribution rather than traditional party structures. His remarks have sparked debates nationwide, with supporters praising his honesty and critics questioning the practicality of his approach.
