KATHMANDU: As many as 58 CPN-UML district members, including the chairperson, out of a total 61 have joined Madhav Kumar Nepal-led CPN Unified Socialist in Jumla.

They announced their defection at a press conference held in the district on Saturday. UML Jumla Chairman Tirtha Budha, Vice Chairman Nandaram Rokaya, Secretary Adi Prasad Neupane, Deputy Secretary Raj Bahadur Khatri and other district members said they joined the Unified Socialist.

At the press conference, Karnali Province Assembly member Padma Bahadur Rokaya said they were compelled to join the Unified Socialist due to UML Chairman KP Oli’s arrogance and leader Nepal’s ultimate humiliation.

The press conference was held at the initiative of UML Jumla Vice Chair Rokaya. “Chairman Budha is in Kathmandu for treatment and he fully supported the Unified Socialist,” Rokaya said at the press conference.