Dipesh Shrestha, Kathmandu : The mayor of Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City, Harka Raj Rai, is widely recognized in Nepali politics as a distinct, outspoken and courageous figure who emerged outside the country’s established political parties. As chair of the Shram Sanskriti Party, Rai has challenged traditional political practices and initiated a governance approach centered on labor, honesty and self-reliance.

Born in Khartamchha of Khotang in eastern Nepal, Rai comes from a modest working-class family. Growing up in limited economic circumstances, he became closely familiar from an early age with the values of hard work, struggle and self-respect. This background appears to have played a crucial role in shaping his worldview and political thinking.

Rai did not enter politics through the structure of any major party. For a long time, he remained active as a social campaigner, an advocate of workers’ rights and a vocal figure on local issues. He consistently raised his voice about drinking water shortages, unemployment, unmanaged urbanization and political neglect in Dharan. In earlier years, he even traveled around neighborhoods and street corners with a loudspeaker mounted on an old tempo, directly informing and mobilizing residents. His political journey grew out of this grassroots activism.

For nearly a decade he kept speaking up for the people of Dharan. Because of this persistence, voters defeated candidates from established parties and elected Harka Raj Rai as mayor in the 2022 local elections (2079 BS). The victory was seen not only as a personal achievement but also as a reflection of public frustration and the desire for alternative politics.

Even after assuming office, Rai has continued to present himself as an “ordinary worker.” Whether on drinking water projects or road construction, he is often seen at the front line with a shovel and pickaxe, leading volunteer labor campaigns. Through these initiatives, he has aimed to cut unnecessary municipal expenses and prioritize public service over the privileges of elected representatives.

His working style has drawn both praise and criticism, yet he appears undeterred. Since his election, notable efforts in Dharan have included:

• Mobilizing volunteer labor and seeking alternative sources to address the water crisis.

• Reviving a culture of community participation in development.

• Taking a firm stance against corruption and controlling irregular spending.

• Promoting cleanliness and discipline in urban management.

• Initiating ideas to encourage local production and self-reliance.

Harka Raj Rai may not be a leader free of controversy, but he is undeniably different. He shows the courage to question the system while working within it. The labor-oriented style of governance he has demonstrated in Dharan has sparked a new debate in Nepal’s local politics — that politics should be about responsibility and work, not merely position and perks. Following the Gen-Z wave of protest last Bhadra, the Shram Sanskriti Party has been expanding its organization across much of the country.