UML picks Ishwar Pokharel for Kathmandu-5 seat
Pokharel’s nomination came after local leaders strongly opposed the idea of an “outsider” candidate.
KATHMANDU: The CPN (UML) has unanimously endorsed Senior Vice-Chair Ishwar Pokharel as its candidate for Kathmandu-5 in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 5).
The decision temporarily derails efforts by UML Secretary Rajan Bhattarai to secure a “safe” seat by shifting constituencies. Bhattarai had considered leaving his traditional Kathmandu-4 constituency amid speculation of an electoral alliance with the Nepali Congress, where Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa could have emerged as a joint candidate.
Concerned about losing the ticket or facing defeat, Bhattarai reportedly eyed Kathmandu-5 as an alternative.
Pokharel’s nomination came after local leaders strongly opposed the idea of an “outsider” candidate.
Narayan Silwal, who had initially refrained from contesting, was among those who pushed back against Bhattarai’s potential move. Eventually, the regional committee settled on Pokharel as the unanimous candidate.
Other local leaders, including Silwal, Kiran Shah Thakuri, Deepak Niroula, Dipendra Shrestha, and Shanti Adhikari, will be considered only if Pokharel does not run.
Pokharel has previously won the Kathmandu-5 seat once, and despite internal disputes and the possibility of electoral alliances, UML has chosen to field him again.
