Gorkha has recently drawn significant attention after National Independent Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party – RSP) House of Representatives candidate Sudan Gurung arrived in the district with a large media team from the capital. Following his candidacy for the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21, Gurung has been actively engaged in election campaigning across Gorkha Constituency No. 1.However, while numerous journalists from Kathmandu-based media outlets were included in the campaign’s media coverage, the absence of local Gorkha-based journalist Anil Gurung from the media team has sparked widespread debate on social media.The controversy centers on a growing question: Why was a journalist who has continuously practiced journalism in his own district, community, and soil overlooked?
Anil Gurung, a permanent resident of Gorkha, has been actively involved in journalism in the district for nearly a decade. His exclusion from the media team has led social media users to question whether this was merely a coincidence or a deliberate act of neglect. The issue has gained further traction as candidate Sudan Gurung himself belongs to the Gurung community, prompting many to ask: “Why was one Gurung journalist ignored by another Gurung leader?”According to sources, journalist Anil Gurung shared his disappointment and dissatisfaction during informal conversations with fellow journalists. He stated that while he could not deny receiving indirect approaches, he would have willingly supported the campaign without any conditions or demands had he received a respectable and transparent proposal from a candidate representing his own region, land, and community.
“Rather than serving anyone blindly, I would have stood firmly with dignity if a respectful offer had come from a candidate of my own community,” he reportedly said.
His remarks have raised a serious concern: Are local journalists treated merely as tools during political campaigns, or are they recognized as equal partners deserving respect?Although the prioritization of Kathmandu-centric media over local journalists is not a new phenomenon, this case has taken on a deeper emotional and community-based dimension. Many view it as symbolic of a broader pattern of marginalizing local voices.
Meanwhile, candidate Sudan Gurung has been actively campaigning door-to-door in villages, wearing traditional Gurung attire and drawing enthusiastic crowds. His activities are being widely covered by the large media team from the capital. Yet, the noticeable absence of local Gurung journalist Anil Gurung within that team has only widened the circle of questions.On social media, some users have linked the issue to a broader debate: Why are Gurung youths repeatedly sidelined in politics, journalism, and other sectors? Leaders who advocate for new thinking, youth empowerment, and inclusive politics are now being questioned on whether their actions truly reflect those commitments.
Despite the dissatisfaction and emotional weight of the situation, journalist Anil Gurung has chosen to rise above personal resentment. He has publicly extended his best wishes to candidate Sudan Gurung, stating:
“Best wishes to you, Sudan Ji. Even if you chose not to acknowledge me, you will always have support from our media.”
On one hand, the debate surrounding inclusivity, trust, and local representation continues to intensify. On the other, Anil Gurung’s response highlights the professional ethics, self-respect, and principles of journalism.
What began as a personal grievance has now evolved into a broader discussion within Gorkha and the Gurung community, raising fundamental questions about political inclusiveness, media representation, and respect for local voices.
