Oli-backed Raut gets UML ticket in Palpa-2, sparking local uproar
The decision has stirred controversy, as the previous election winner, Thakur Gaire, was denied a ticket.
KATHMANDU: The CPN (UML) has decided to field Ram Bahadur Raut as its candidate for Palpa-2, with the move reportedly driven by party Chair KP Sharma Oli.
The decision has stirred controversy, as the previous election winner, Thakur Gaire, was denied a ticket.
Gaire had secured 28,645 votes in the last election, defeating rival Som Prasad Pandey, who received 24,899 votes.
Sources say Gaire was sidelined because he had challenged Oli’s leadership and aligned with a rival faction during the party’s general convention.
Oli is known for his intolerance toward internal critics.
Raut, who has previously lost two mayoral elections in Rainadevi Chhahara Rural Municipality, is considered a close supporter of Oli.
Despite his electoral defeats, he has been granted the parliamentary ticket.
The exclusion of Gaire has triggered dissent within the Palpa UML ranks, with local leaders urging Oli to reconsider the candidate selection.
