Home Minister's 'take back your vote' comment goes viral in Nepal

Home Minister Janardan Sharma's remark telling a constituent to "take back your vote" has ignited social media after a video of the exchange circulated online. The incident occurred Friday when Sharma, who represents Gorkha in the House of Representatives, was visiting his home district.

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take back your vote

During a meeting with local Rastriya Swatantra Party supporters in Namjung, a resident named Khopendra Prasad Lamichhane reminded Sharma of a campaign promise to establish a laboratory at the Namjung health post. Lamichhane noted that the project was not included in the budget and was not on the provincial list.

Sharma initially stated that not all proposed projects can be included in the budget, especially given his government's four-month tenure and the recent July 17 budget implementation. He then added, "You can't change everything in four months. Take your vote back."

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He spoke about it during the election and even called the health ministry secretary. But there is no mention of the laboratory in the budget, and it is not on the provincial list either.

The clip of Sharma's comment quickly spread online, drawing significant attention. Lamichhane expressed surprise at the reaction, stating he had only reminded the minister of his promise. He clarified that Sharma had assured him the laboratory would be established and had asked for patience. Lamichhane described the exchange as a casual, joking conversation with laughter, and was unsure how the clip was leaked.

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It has only been four months, and the budget has only started being implemented from July 17. You can’t change everything in four months. Take your vote back.

Lamichhane suggested that Sharma's status as a senior figure amplified the impact of his words. The phrase "take back your vote" became the focal point of discussions, overshadowing Sharma's assurances about the laboratory project.

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I reminded him about the election promise. He also said that the laboratory would be established and that he would do it. He said ‘take back your vote’ in a joking manner, but one phrase from what he said has now become the focus of discussion.