KATHMANDU: Central members of the Nepal Students’ Union (NSU) have filed a complaint with the Nepali Congress central disciplinary committee, demanding action against Kaski President Kishore Dutta Baral.
They have accused him of playing a role in NSU’s defeat in the Free Students’ Union (FSU) elections.
The complaint particularly highlights NSU’s loss at the Institute of Engineering Studies (Pashchimanchal Campus) in Lamachaur.
According to central representative Rajendra Baral, NSU had nominated Prashant Upadhyaya for the position of secretary, but his nomination papers were torn by central member Rejina Khadka, leading to his exclusion from the final candidate list.
In protest, NSU members locked the campus doors, but the locks were allegedly broken under the leadership of candidate Saugat Pandit, reportedly on Baral’s instructions.
Central member Naseeb Gurung accused Baral of working against NSU’s interests in collaboration with the UML-Maoist alliance. Other members have also alleged that Baral misused donations collected for the FSU elections.
“The organization cannot be weakened by the arbitrary actions of one person,” said central member Anjan Thapa, adding that funds raised from industrialists and supporters were misallocated while Baral actively sought votes against NSU.
In response, NSU has demanded Baral’s suspension from general membership within seven days, warning of strong protests if action is not taken.
However, Baral has refuted all allegations, stating that the SBU elections should remain student-focused and free from political influence.
“Educational institutions should be centers of knowledge and leadership development, not politics,” he said.
Baral also asserted that all donations were collected and distributed transparently and that he is prepared to face action if any wrongdoing is proven.
NSU suffered defeat in all four campuses during the FSU elections. An independent candidate won in Lamachaur, while UML-affiliated ANNFSU candidates secured victories in Prithvi Narayan Campus, Nursing Campus, and the Institute of Forestry.
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