KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Tuesday held a meeting with representatives of major political parties to discuss the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.
This was PM Karki’s first formal interaction with party representatives nearly one and a half months after the election date was announced.
The meeting was attended by Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa and Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat; UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Deputy General Secretary Pradeep Gyawali; and from the Maoist Center, Pampha Bhusal and Barshaman Pun.
Also present were RSP Vice Chair Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Secretariat member Sobita Gautam; RPP General Secretary Rajendra Gurung and Spokesperson Mohan Shrestha; JSP Chair Upendra Yadav and Prakash Adhikari; LSP’s Sarbendra Nath Shukla; Nagarik Unmukti Party Chair Resham Chaudhary; and NEMKIPA’s Prem Suwal.
Chandan Kumar Singh represented Janamat Party, while CPN (Unified Socialist) Senior Vice Chair Rajendra Pandey and Vice Chair Prakash Jwala attended from their side.
On behalf of the government, Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, Agriculture Minister Madan Pariyar, Communication Minister Jagadish Kharel, and Chief Adviser Ajay Bhadra Khanal joined the discussion.
What the leaders said
Gagan Thapa, Nepali Congress General Secretary
“This government was formed through consultation with political parties. It must ensure security and continue regular dialogue with the parties while also engaging with the GenZ movement. Only then can we participate in the elections fearlessly. Congress is ready to go to the polls and address the aspirations of GenZ through new approaches.”
Shankar Pokharel, UML General Secretary
“Concerns have emerged after the dissolution of the House of Representatives. The issue of dissolution has now reached constitutional interpretation, and once that is resolved, we will know the country’s direction. The government formed a probe commission to investigate the events of Bhadra 23 and 24, but the appointed individual is controversial. Either he should step down or the government should remove him. The role of police during the protests also raised doubts. If the police cannot handle a crowd of 12–15 thousand, how can we ensure order? Elections cannot happen without political participation. Security must be guaranteed first.”
Pampha Bhusal, Maoist Center
“If the government cannot visit damaged party offices or leaders’ residences in one and a half months, how can it ensure security? The Maoist Center has already decided to take part in the elections and has called on other parties to help create a conducive environment. The government must also do its part and continue this dialogue with the parties.”
Rajendra Gurung, Rastriya Prajatantra Party
“As a political party, we do not reject going to the people through elections. But the current situation demands course correction, learning from past mistakes. The traditional power represented by the monarchy, the new force represented by GenZ, and the political parties must reach an understanding before heading to the polls.”
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