Mahabir Pun’s Election Campaign: Just Vote if you want

Beneath the veneer of a rustic look and behavior, is a man with ‘who cares for what others do’ attitude, with his soul bent upon occupying a seat in the House of Representatives.

Umpteen times, he has proved he is a man with difference, and this time , more starkly. Mahabir Pun is contesting as an independent from Myagdi-1 , and innovator of the rural communication system , has innovated his own campaign system

Unlike other candidates who go door to door, or organize their party network to influence voters’ mind, Pun goes around , finds a vintage point and loudly appeals to his voters in his own style—I am contesting election as an independent candidate, and  you vote for who you think is the best in the lot.

Literally, he has adopted the old ‘katwal system’—to convey his message across.  Pun – an internationally recognized innovator and social entrepreneur and a Magsaysay  resigned award winner, resigned as the Minister for  Education, Science, and Technology  from the Sushila Karki led cabinet expressing his dissatisfaction over his certain ‘reform proposals not being considered.’ Karki apparently was not too happy over his departure , and said although he had some genuine reform agenda, ‘we could not do it..’

As a Minister, he disclosed the report about how Tribhuvan University’s land had been grabbed by different vested interest groups, and was also insisting that the Universities across the country must be run apolitically . He had also formally approached the Prime Minister that the system of the PM  becoming ex-officio Chancellor of Universities must stop for effective administration and depoliticizing the Academic institutions, but like other PMs in the past Karki, ignored it. And unlike other ministers who were there in the ‘neutral or non-party electoral government’. Pun exhibited enough honesty not to be associated with any party.

Unlike typical election campaigns that feature luxury vehicles, expensive promotional materials, and big spending, Pun’s approach is strikingly simple and personal. He does not rely on a campaign car or fancy trappings. Instead, his days begin early with village visits, walking from community to community, engaging directly with constituents face-to-face. Videos of these moments are widely shared on his social media, showing a candidate who greets voters as neighbors and friends rather than distant political figures.

This simplicity underpins a broader message of honesty and integrity that resonates with many voters. Pun’s campaign mantra is not about grand promises or lofty rhetoric; he has been clear that he won’t make empty pledges just to win votes. Instead, he emphasizes doing what he can and encourages those who disagree to vote accordingly.

Pun makes it a point not to criticize any rival personally, but made it an exception to hit back on Ram Kumari Jhakri, a UML candidate from Gulmi who had criticized Pun uncharitably during her campaign.

Earlier in his career he gained widespread respect by prioritizing social innovation over political prestige, founding the National Innovation Centre and championing rural connectivity and education which are the  achievements that built his reputation long before this interim government and election bid.

Pun’s campaign also reflects financial frugality. He is running without the expensive infrastructure that typical candidates deploy and is likely to spend only a fraction of the amount most commission-backed campaigns expend, focusing instead on direct, low-cost voter engagement, a strategy that underscores both integrity and authenticity.

He however, makes it a point not to forget carrying few copies of his autobiography for sale to sustain his expenses, perhaps the lowest any candidate would be spending.

In a political landscape often defined by wealth and conspicuous spending, Pun’s campaign stands as a refreshing anomaly: humble in form, firm in his conviction, rich in pursuit of a purpose  and consistent with his lifelong commitment to public service.