Shobha Chemjong Palungwa is a leader with decent characteristics, one trait we find most leaders lacking. The Nepali Congress General Convention Representative is in the race for candidacy as the local level election is approaching. Aspiring for mayor in Urlabari municipality of Morang, she is confident that an environment will be created for women from all over the country to compete for mayor.

Palungwa is a women's rights activist who has been raising a strong voice on the issue of women's empowerment. It is rare to see women like her fighting so passionately for the betterment of females. She is a resident of Urlabari-5 and a single woman.
 
Her husband, Sanam Palungwa, the Congress Regional President, passed away very young. Currently survived by a son, Shobha says that she has dedicated her life to Congress and women's rights. Here is an edited excerpt from a conversation with Congress leader Palungwa:

You are in for a mayoral candidacy, are you not?
My aspirations are natural. After somebody gets involved in politics, it is nothing new for them to desire the candidature during the election. "Why the mayor? There are other positions too," you may ask. This is not to say I am just eyeing the mayoral seat; instead, I expect to be the mayor. In terms of role at the local level and party activism, I think I am suitable for the mayor.

Could you please elaborate on your political background?
My political background is like an open book. I have been in politics for more than 16 years, and I have been toiling for my party as much as my capabilities. Additionally, I have fulfilled all the responsibilities that my party deemed I was worthy of. I have been more involved with politics, but I have also been equally dedicating my time to social work. I may sound like I am tooting my own horn, but this is what I have felt while working with the locals, and they share the same sentiments about me. 

How easy do you think getting a ticket is?
Women are not weak when it comes to leadership. We are as able as men. We just don't have equal opportunity as them. Political parties have different views on women. And I feel that the essence of proportional inclusion written in the constitution has not been assimilated as people don't prefer women to lead, and nobody has ever sought us. Women are aware of their work, duties, and rights. The misconception that women are inferior to men in terms of responsibility is entirely untrue and based on baseless facts. There are currently 753 municipalities and 6,743 wards in Nepal, and I believe the government should allocate 50% of seats in those offices for women. We have been demanding that at least 33% of women hold key positions in villages, municipalities, and wards. Urlabari is a place that has a history of the mayoral position being won by the Nepali Congress, and the voice that the mayor should be repeated is equally heard here.

Have you thought about running for the deputy mayor?
I would not take the desire to repeat based on the 'performance' shown by the mayor in some of the winning places. It does not mean that there should be no repetition. I consider it my duty to make the other person win if the party nominates someone other than me. However, I am also in the race. But, in this case, I am a candidate. There may be the distribution of opportunities and the manipulation of responsibilities, but I'm the mayoral candidate for now. 'No comment' about others.

Have you ever thought that your candidature may not be valid if the ethnicity of candidates has to be balanced?
That, too, has to be adjusted as needed. The people's desires and needs will be revealed after discussing the selection of candidates.

As you are affiliated with the ruling party, how do you take up the issue of contesting elections by allying?
There is a coalition government from the central government to the states. While I am aspiring for the post of Congress mayor, some things have to be scrutinized under the party discipline. Due to one situation, the Nepali Congress has been responsible for leading this country. There is no need to underestimate the support and goodwill of the ruling party. Because of this, we could ally when we go to the polls. But, we have to form an alliance based on necessity and justification.
"While we are allying, aren't we going to abandon inclusion?" This is a matter of concern, and this is an essential question of how to ensure maximum participation of women. "What if the male candidates form majority in the election?" That is also one of our concerns. The law addresses gender bias in local elections. In our municipalities, women are being overshadowed by the fact that women are deprived of their rights. 
Hopefully, we will be aware of these issues as the coalition prepares. 
Women aspirants will not be overshadowed. My conclusion is that the alliance will be more effective if it keeps proportional inclusion intact. There is no need to ignore each other, and one has to respect the other.

How is your claim taken within the party while aspiring for the mayor's post?
Leaders are also happy because of my loyalty and activism toward the party. While women are claiming leadership, I have found veteran leaders sensitive. They are eager to see and support women in leadership, and I don't think they will be stingy to help and see a woman win the mayor of Urlabari municipality.