Election Candidate Under Fire for Setting Up Campaign Office in Government Building in Nawalparasi

Butwal. A controversy has emerged after a candidate from the CPN (UML) set up a liaison office in a government building in Nawalparasi. The candidate for Constituency No. 1 of the district, Sindhu 'Jalesa' Budhathoki, established the liaison office in a building constructed by the Susta Rural Municipality. Following the candidate's use of the government building, the District Administration Office, Nawalparasi, has objected.

The building, constructed by the municipality for the Ayurveda Health Post, is currently occupied by a women's cooperative. Budhathoki opened her liaison office in one room of that very building. The Election Code of Conduct Monitoring Officer and Assistant Chief District Officer Poshanraj Bhandari informed Ratopati that opening a liaison office in a public building is against the election code of conduct, and she has been asked to remove it immediately.

He stated, 'It seems they opened a liaison office in one room of that building; since that is against the code of conduct, we have directed them to remove it immediately. It should be removed shortly.' When Ratopati tried to contact Budhathoki regarding this matter, she requested them to inquire with the local party in-charge.

So far, 10 complaints regarding code of conduct violations have been registered in Nawalparasi district. In the district, which has two constituencies, 55 candidates, including 23 independents, are in the electoral competition.