KATHMANDU: The CPN-UML officially kicked off its election campaign from Magh 4 (Jan 18).

Party Secretary Mahesh Basnet, speaking at a press conference at the party’s central office on Thursday, said the campaign would convey the party’s participation message ahead of the upcoming elections on Falgun 21 (March 5) with a special public demonstration in Kathmandu.

Basnet clarified that the UML has never said it would skip elections but stressed that the current environment is not yet conducive for fair elections.

He cited weak morale among the police and administration, unreturned weapons looted during the Jan–Ji movement, escaped prisoners, and rising criminal activities as major concerns.

He also accused the government led by Sushila Karki of strengthening Rabi Lamichhane’s party and claimed that the government’s decision to return organized crime and asset recovery cases has effectively freed corrupt individuals.

Basnet said, “On Magh 4, we will hold an open assembly to send our election participation message. We have never said we will not take part in elections. Our concern is that the current environment is unsafe—police and administrative morale is low, looted weapons and escaped prisoners remain unrecovered, criminal activities are rising, and justice is under threat.”

He further alleged that ministers are trying to weaken major parties like UML and Congress, citing delays in digital voting implementation as part of efforts to favor smaller parties.

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has conveyed her best wishes, expressing hope that the Maghi or Makar Sankranti festival inspires everyone to come together and work towards peace, stability, and prosperity.

Prime Minister Karki offered her greetings to all Nepali sisters and brothers, both at home and abroad, emphasizing the increased necessity for unity, harmony, and mutual trust among all.

“Today signifies 1st Magh, Maghi, Makar Sankranti, Maghe Sakranti, although the names may differ, the core meaning remains the same,” Prime Minister Karki remarked in a message posted on her social media platform Facebook mentioning that this festival promotes love, harmony, tolerance, and the spirit of unity among all Nepalis.”