Minister Kharel says no decision yet on election candidacy

KATHMANDU: Communication and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel has clarified that he has not yet decided whether to contest in upcoming elections.

Amid speculation that he might run on behalf of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Kharel stated that no discussions have taken place regarding his potential candidacy.

Speaking at an event organized by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists, Bhaktapur Branch, on Wednesday, the minister emphasized that his and the interim government’s full attention is currently on the elections.

Kharel expressed concern over media reports that he said were misleading, noting that he has not engaged with any political party regarding elections. “I want to make it clear today that I have not decided whether I will run in the elections. I have not joined any party, nor have I discussed or negotiated with any party. My focus at the moment is fully on supporting the interim government under Prime Minister Sushila Karki,” he said.

He urged media outlets to exercise sensitivity and report only accurate news, given the country’s current election environment.