UML General Secretary Pokharel slams 'attempts to revive Panchayat'

Dang, February 19 — CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has accused some forces of attempting to undo the political change by elevating former King Gyanendra Shah.

While inaugurating the party's ward-centered campaign in Kapilvastu today, Pokhrel stated that although the 2006 people's movement successfully ended the monarchy and brought about political change, there are now attempts to resurrect the ghost of the Panchayat era.

Pokharel remarked that some political forces, who oppose political change, are trying to reverse it by manipulating the former king's statements. He added, "These forces are now trying to bring back the Panchayat-era ghosts."

He further criticized the move, saying that by having the king make statements, some were attempting to reverse the political change. Pokharel urged party workers to focus on institutionalizing the political change and advancing the full revolution.

"By removing the feudal monarchy, the political revolution was successful," Pokhrel said, encouraging his cadres to work towards institutionalizing it and completing the revolution. He emphasized the need for strong political forces to make the full revolution successful.

Pokharel clarified that while he had advocated for two strong political parties, he was not in favor of restricting the formation of new parties.

He explained, "I have always said that the end of unstable politics and the establishment of a permanent government will only happen if we have two strong political parties." He also mentioned that the threshold percentage should be increased, not the restriction on forming new parties.

Pokharel added that elections should be won through the public's vote, and no one should be banned from running a political party, while also stressing that there is no need for small political outfits.