Mahesh Basnet Criticizes Balen Shah's Visit to Pathivara Temple

CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has stated that it was inappropriate for RSP candidate Balen Shah from Jhapa-5 to visit and worship at the Pathivara Temple. 

Basnet argued that since Shah is in mourning following the death of a parent, Hindu tradition prohibits visiting deities, performing worship, or participating in major religious rituals for approximately one year.

Shah had offered prayers at Pathivara on Friday morning. Following this, Basnet took to social media to argue that such activities are improper from the perspective of Hindu culture. 

He further stated that while faith is a personal matter, using religion as a tool for election campaigning is contrary to cultural values and is morally wrong.