Nepal, Feb. 7 -- Nepali Congress (NC) leader Gagan Thapa has said that he is contesting from Sarlahi-4 not as a "tourist candidate" but to stand with the people and connect the sentiments of the hills and the Madhesh.

Speaking at an interaction with Sarlahi voters living in Kathmandu on Saturday, Thapa said he chose the constituency despite having a secure seat in Kathmandu-4, adding that he was not running merely to win an election but to build trust and work on the ground.

Rejecting criticism from opponents, he said he aims to contribute to local development and "become a son of Sarlahi," pledging to open a contact office in Kathmandu to assist residents from the district with housing, medical care and other needs, and to operate a 24...