Spread the love

Kathmandu, Jan 24: Nepali politics has taken a new turn after former prime minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai withdrew his candidacy from Gorkha 2, where he had filed his nomination from the Pragatisheel Prajatantrik Party (PPP).

Bhattarai, who also serves as the party’s patron, had submitted his candidacy on January 20, saying it reflected the wishes of the people of Gorkha constituency 2.

The electoral atmosphere shifted on Friday after Bhattarai announced his decision to pull out of the race, making the contest in Gorkha-2 more intense and closely watched. He said he withdrew his candidacy following requests from various political parties and candidates in the constituency.

Bhattarai stated that remaining outside the parliamentary race and supporting political forces collectively would serve a broader purpose. He said that, instead of limiting himself to the role of a lawmaker, he felt it would be more appropriate to assist parties from outside and, when needed, play a guiding role at the national level.

Before withdrawing his nomination, Bhattarai had proposed cooperation with former prime minister and CPN coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, according to Prachanda’s secretariat.

The secretariat said discussions took place between the two leaders earlier in the day, and Prachanda had contacted candidate Lekhnath Sharma regarding the withdrawal.

While Prachanda accepted the party decision, leaders and cadres from Gorkha 2 opposed the move, arguing that Sharma deserved the opportunity and that the candidacy should not be withdrawn. Following this understanding, Bhattarai decided to step back.

People’s News Monitoring Service