JHAPA: Senior leader of the CPN-Unified Socialist Party, Jhalanath Khanal, has suggested that parties should independently contest in the upcoming elections.

Speaking with journalists in Birtamod, Jhapa, on Wednesday, Khanal emphasized that political parties should compete individually in the elections.

He mentioned that this approach has been advocated by other parties, including the main coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC), in the past as well.

“Even NC and leftist parties have now gained some wisdom. Everyone should contest the election independently,” Khanal said.

During the NC Mahasamiti meeting, Gagan Kumar Thapa, the General Secretary, presented a report opposing the formation of an alliance.

Khanal, in a press conference, reiterated that participating in the election independently is essential, rejecting the necessity of forming an alliance.

Despite being a part of the government, Khanal expressed extreme dissatisfaction with the government’s failure to work according to public sentiment.

He commented, “Our ministries lack budgets. How can they work? Whether we stay in or go out of the government will be decided in the upcoming party convention. We will critically review our situation.”

On the matter of taking action against Minister Prakash Jwala, Khanal refrained from making specific comments saying he had not got chance to see the report yet.

“Minister Jwala did not order the firing in Balkumari. However, if mistakes were made, he must face the consequences,” the Unified Socialist leader said.