KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Yogesh Bhattarai has arrived in Taplejung to support Kshitij Thebe, despite being denied the party ticket from the constituency.
UML Chair KP Sharma Oli had blocked Bhattarai’s candidacy and instead fielded Thebe, who is considered close to the party leadership. Although dissatisfaction was expected after the ticket denial, Bhattarai has publicly accepted the party’s decision and extended open support to the official candidate.
Bhattarai reached Taplejung on the very day of nomination filing. Stating that he is a loyal party worker, he said he would play an active role in ensuring the victory of the party’s candidate. “The party’s interest is greater than personal gain or position,” Bhattarai told reporters.
Many within the party believe Bhattarai was sidelined due to questions he had raised about Chair Oli’s working style. By awarding the ticket to Thebe, a leader known for consistently defending Oli, the party leadership is seen as having pushed Bhattarai to the margins.
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