KATHMANDU: In a surprising turn of events, the Nepali Congress (NC) has surged ahead in the ongoing by-election in Bajhang-1, reversing the lead previously held by the CPN-UML since Monday morning.

According to the latest updates, Abhishek Singh of the Nepali Congress has garnered significant support, securing 8,977 votes, thereby overtaking UML candidate Daman Bhandari, who has accumulated 8,693 votes.

With a notable lead of 284 votes, the Nepali Congress has solidified its position in the fiercely contested Bajhang Province.

In the race for the third position, Maoist candidate Janak Budha has secured 3,469 votes, followed closely by Dil Bahadur Singh of the Unified Socialist Party in fourth place with 2,304 votes.

The by-election in Bajhang-1 continues to captivate attention as the political landscape undergoes dynamic shifts, reflecting the electorate’s diverse sentiments and preferences.