KATHMANDU: The CPN (UML) has nominated Suhang Nembang as its candidate for the upcoming by-election in Ilam-2.

However, this decision has triggered dissatisfaction among other party leaders in the district.

Despite the discontent, the party maintains that Suhang Nembang is the most eligible candidate from the district.

Those who failed to get nominated have accused the party of not adequately evaluating their service to the party.

A leader who was previously listed in the recommendation list told Khabarhub that Chairman KP Oli failed to recognize their contributions to the party.

He further stated that, alongside Suhang, five others were recommended as eligible candidates.

Asserting that Suhang had the least contribution to the party, he accused the party of selecting him solely because he is the son of the late party leader Subhash Nembang.

The individuals recommended as candidates by the District Committee were Suhang Nembang, Rabindra Subedi, Narendra Bhattarai, Devi Chhetri Dulal, Buddi Khanal, and Rippal Rai.

According to Mahesh Basent, UML lawmaker and Chairman of the party’s Illam District Committee, the final decision on candidate selection is typically made by the party’s central office.

“We submitted names of eligible candidates. The final decision was made by the central office, which we all must adhere to,” Basnet stated to Khabarhub.

Basnet further urged district leaders to officially inform the party if there is any discontent regarding the selection of candidates for the by-election.

“I Respect My Seniors”: Suhang Nembang

Following his nomination as the party’s candidate, Suhang Nembang vowed to heed the suggestions of his seniors and always respect them.

“The dreams of my father, the suggestions of my seniors, and their support will guide me to victory,” Suhang said.

“With their support, I won’t let the party down.”

Chapter Closed for Jhalnath Khanal

Former Prime Minister and UML leader Jhalnath Khanal, who had hoped to be a common candidate of the coalition party, will not be contesting the election, with the party endorsing Suhang as its candidate.

According to sources, Khanal had previously met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and requested him to endorse Khanal as the common candidate of the coalition parties.

Following the party’s decision to select Suhang, Khanal stated that he would not be contesting in the by-election.

The CPN (Maoist Center) is yet to announce its candidate for the election. The party is estimated to have 3,000 votes in Illam-2.

Similarly, the CPN (Unified Socialist) is estimated to have 5,000 votes.

These two parties are likely to join forces in the election, supporting a common candidate, although the official decision is yet to be made.

Dev Gurung, the general secretary of CPN (Maoist Center), maintained that the party will contest in the election and will seek to form alliances with other parties as well.

With the Rastriya Swatantra Party, another member of the ruling alliance, not supporting the UML, the party is currently seeking support from the CPN (Maoist Center) and CPN (Unified Socialist).

On the other hand, the main opposition party, Nepali Congress, has already nominated Dambar Khadka, the Chair of the District Committee, as its candidate.