Former Finance Minister Barshaman Pun Files Complaint Over Fake Election Manifesto Circulated on Social Media

Kathmandu. Former Finance Minister and leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Barshaman Pun 'Ananta', has filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the police's Cyber Bureau regarding a fake election commitment letter circulated on social media under his name, which he claims is misleading propaganda.

Pun filed the complaint through his secretariat demanding legal action against those involved in the act. Pun is a candidate from his home district Rolpa in the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for February 21st (21 फागुन).

The application states that extremely misleading, false, and character-assassinating materials are being disseminated, which violates public morality and etiquette under Section 47 of the Electronic Transactions Act, 2063, and infringes upon the election code of conduct.

The complaint states, 'This act has undermined the independent and fair election by confusing voters. As this action affects the sanctity of the election and spreads malice in society, I submit this application to immediately order the removal of such misleading materials and to identify the individuals and groups involved in such acts and take strict action against them according to prevailing laws.'

Pun stated that he filed a complaint with the Election Commission and the Cyber Bureau seeking action against those involved after discovering that a commitment letter, created with the intent to confuse voters and defame his character, was posted on social media by a competing candidate.

Pun mentioned that the election manifesto to be presented to the voters on behalf of the party is in the final stages of writing, and he has not created any separate written declaration or commitment letter other than verbal statements.

The fake commitment letter circulated in Pun's name includes promises such as designating a red-light area in Rolpa headquarters and Sulichaur, constructing an international airport in Badachaur, establishing a university in the district and a campus in every ward, building a hospital larger than Bir Hospital in Madi Chaur, and mentioning projects like the Metro Rail and Cable Car.