KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Bed Bahadur Gurung has said that while leftist communist forces in Nepal have a strong voter base, internal divisions have weakened their overall influence.

He noted that although the split in left votes is unfortunate, historically these votes have remained within communist parties.

Gurung highlighted that in previous elections, when the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) gained strength, UML weakened, and vice versa. However, when the two parties united, they nearly achieved a two-thirds majority.

Ahead of the upcoming elections, he warned leftist voters against shifting their votes to bourgeois parties under the pretext of “vote change.”

He cautioned that if traditional left-leaning voters move to ideologically different parties, it could reduce the chances of returning to the left in the future, leaving Nepal’s communist parties defensive and weakened.

Gurung urged that dissatisfaction should be channeled within communist ranks: “If you are unhappy with your party, choose another communist party, but do not make the mistake of voting for bourgeois parties,” he said.

He explicitly called on voters to cast their ballots for UML’s sun symbol and, if dissatisfied, for the star symbol of another communist party—urging them not to vote for other parties.

KATHMANDU: Nawalparasi-1 parliamentary candidate Binod Chaudhary recalled the challenges of the previous election, saying that the public’s trust transformed the baseless allegations leveled against him into a source of strength.

Addressing a corner meeting in Bardaghat Municipality–7, Jimirebhar, Chaudhary said he was able to secure victory even during difficult times because of the unwavering support of the people.

He noted that despite being labeled with various names in the past, the people trusted him and welcomed him into their homes during door-to-door campaigning.

“I have sat on straw mats, on wooden beds, and at street corners and public squares. I believe I can blend in anywhere, in any situation. Compared to these human connections, even private jets hold no real value for me. I am still content sitting on the ground with the same humility,” he said.

Chaudhary claimed that he successfully overcame accusations fueled by what he described as “distorted mindsets.” Recalling that he began his student life in community schools, he said he feels no sense of inferiority while connecting with ordinary citizens.

He emphasized that representing the region carries a deep sense of responsibility and pledged to lead comprehensive development efforts across the constituency.

He alleged that certain groups initiated smear campaigns out of fear that his positive work would overshadow their politics.

Urging voters not to fall for misinformation, Chaudhary appealed for support to the reformed Nepali Congress under the leadership of Gagan Thapa.

Chaudhary highlighted his role in establishing the industrial village in Nawalpur and in the construction of Shashwat Dham, adding that his future responsibilities would remain focused on the region’s development.

“There is still much work to be done. There were certain limitations in the past, but now we must move forward to complete the unfinished development projects,” he said.

At the program, Nepali Congress district secretary Kuldeep Acharya stated that internal disunity within the party in the past had prevented the effective utilization of Chaudhary’s capacity and expertise.

He urged voters to ensure Chaudhary’s victory this time to open new doors of development, adding that the party is now united and contesting the election with a clear vision for a prosperous Nawalparasi.