KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has claimed that a weak state cannot safeguard the rights of its citizens, and accused certain forces of deliberately undermining state institutions through orchestrated propaganda.
Speaking at the second meeting of the Press Chautari Nepal Central Committee in Lalitpur on Friday, Pokharel stated that a calculated campaign is underway to weaken the state, which has fueled growing tension between the government and the people.
“We must advocate for a form of democracy that empowers both the state and the citizens,” he said, emphasizing that a strong state is essential to uphold democratic rights and foster national development.
Pokharel claimed that the UML and its leadership are currently facing a systematic political and ideological siege—not because of wrongdoing or failure, but because of their commitment to development, prosperity, and national interest.
“This is the party that dares to dream of national transformation and implements large-scale strategic development projects,” he said. He argued that anti-development elements are behind the attacks on the UML.
He also issued a warning about the dangers of populist politics, asserting that it leads to societal deterioration rather than meaningful change.
“Populism cannot deliver prosperity or solve long-standing problems. On the contrary, it drives the nation toward instability,” Pokharel remarked. “UML is being targeted because it stands as a roadblock to those who pursued unrealistic and unjust ambitions,” he added.
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