Rukum East: When former Prime Minister and coordinator of the Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ reached the snowy hills of Rukum East, he was welcomed not by speeches first but by fresh white snow.

Photos and videos of him playing in the snow quickly spread across social media. But this visit was not for fun. It was an emotional return to a place closely linked with Nepal’s Maoist “people’s war” and his political past. He came with a new message development and prosperity.

During his four day stay as part of a week long voter outreach program, Prachanda’s schedule was less formal and more personal. He visited historic war sites, met families of martyrs, honored injured fighters, listened to locals’ problems, and made promises for development.

For many locals, his candidacy has brought new energy and excitement.

Snow welcome and warm reception in Bhume

At the Baglung Rukum border, party workers welcomed him enthusiastically. After briefly enjoying the snow, he headed to Lukum in Bhumé Rural Municipality.

Locals greeted him in traditional Magar culture, tying a ceremonial turban on his head. He also welcomed new members into his party and promised to develop Lukum as a model village. He even instructed aides to immediately address local telephone network problems.

He spent the evening sitting by the fire with villagers, chatting like a family guest rather than a leader.

War memories in Labang and Mahat

On the anniversary of the People’s War, Prachanda visited Labang village, where important Maoist meetings were once held. Locals served him roasted corn, milk, and homemade food.

He walked around old houses and former meeting places, recalling the past and saying more development work still needs to be done.

In Mahat village, he visited a war memorial park that remembers early battles and prisoner exchanges during the conflict. Locals welcomed him with music and shared their problems with him.

Later, he honored martyrs’ families, the disappeared, and injured fighters at a public program.

The day ended with cultural dances, songs, and emotional moments.

Peace gate and Taksera

In Chunbang, he visited a historic meeting site where Maoist leaders once decided to move toward democracy and peace. That decision later led to the peace process and the establishment of a federal democratic republic.

He toured rooms where he and his late wife Sita once stayed, as well as other leaders’ quarters. The visit appeared deeply personal.

In the evening, he reached Taksera, a scenic tourist area, where locals gave him a grand welcome. He promised better roads, infrastructure, and protection of local language and culture.

Walking through villages, fireside talks and development dreams

Early morning, Prachanda went for a walk and stopped at a Dalit family’s house to warm himself by the kitchen fire. A local youth told him caste discrimination had reduced compared to the past.

Throughout the day he visited many villages. People welcomed him with garlands, tea, corn and group photos. He listened to their problems and asked for their support in the election.

He also discussed tourism and mining potential in the region and ate traditional meals with locals at a hot spring area.

In Maikot, he said “Earlier I came here carrying a gun. This time I have come carrying a ticket for development and prosperity.” He promised to make Rukum East a model of community-based socialism and development.

More than just a campaign

During these hours, Prachanda honored martyrs’ families, visited historic war sites, shared meals with locals, warmed himself by villagers’ fires, danced and joined cultural programs, promised roads, tourism, and economic development, His team included proportional candidates and local leaders.

For many, this trip felt less like a political campaign and more like an emotional homecoming to the birthplace of the Maoist movement.

He still has three more days of programs left. But these first four days have already turned into a mix of memory, politics and promises.

Now the big question remains
Will Rukum East truly become the “model of development and community socialism” he promised?