Mahesh Basnet Says Country Not Ready for Elections, Criticizes Government and Political Maneuvers

Kathmandu – UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has stated that the country is currently not in an electoral environment. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, he clarified that UML has never said it will not participate in elections.

He said, “Questions are being raised about whether UML will take part in elections. We have never said that we will not participate. What we are saying is that the electoral environment does not exist at the moment. Even now, the morale of the police and administration is low. 

He claimed that the morale of the police, administration, and army is weak, police officers are injured, police posts have been burned, weapons are stolen and not yet recovered, escaped prisoners are still at large, and criminal activities are on the rise.

He also criticized the recent political developments. Although the current government led by Shushila Karki claims to be a “women-led government,” he alleged that no real improvements have been seen in practice.
Basnet claimed that Kulman Ghising resigned due to massive public pressure and conflicts with Ravi Lamichhane, and that no other ministers have shown improvements in their conduct.

He said, “Political developments are increasing. Justice is burning more than the courts. The current government led by Shushila Karki claims to be a women-led government. Kulman Ghising resigned after enormous public pressure and tussles with Ravi Lamichhane. Other ministers, however, have not shown any improvement in their conduct.”

He accused statements advocating for the promotion of youth and criticizing the work of older parties and leaders as a strategic move to weaken UML and strengthen Ravi Lamichhane’s faction.

He added, “Looking at the statements of the Shushila Karki government—about bringing in the youth, older parties not doing their work, and older leaders not performing—these are cleverly framed remarks aimed at weakening UML and strengthening Ravi Lamichhane’s faction.”