Thursday, February 19th, 2026

Constitutional expert Acharya says blocking UML leaders from traveling ‘undermines election environment’



KATHMANDU: Constitutional expert Dr. Bhimarjun Acharya has said that obstructing political leaders from attending their programs will only harm the environment needed for elections.

His remarks come after CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel, Standing Committee member Bhanu Bhakta Dhakal, and Politburo member Mahesh Basnet were prevented from flying to Simra on Wednesday.

Reacting to the incident, Acharya said such actions send a “bad signal” for democratic practice. “If leaders are not allowed to attend their own assemblies or meet their cadres and the public, how can elections take place?” he questioned. “How can anyone justify this kind of obstruction?”

Acharya also criticized those involved in the Gen-Z movement, saying that since the government is currently under their influence, they should behave more responsibly.

“When the movement’s supporters themselves are close to power, shouldn’t they be even more responsible?” he said. “Gen-Z brothers and sisters must realize that provoking tensions benefits no one.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Nepali Congress General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma also commented on the Simra incident, calling it contrary to the spirit of the Gen-Z movement and warning that such acts will damage the environment required for elections.

Publish Date : 19 November 2025 14:22 PM

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