UML Candidate Visits Rival Congress Leader's Home Amid Election Buzz in Morang-3

Biratnagar. UML candidate for Morang Constituency-3, Iron Rai, visited the home of Congress candidate Sunil Sharma for a courtesy meeting. Sharma, who previously won the election from Morang-3, is seeking victory again this time.

However, there is speculation in the area that Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) candidate Ganesh Karki is becoming a formidable challenge for him. Amidst this speculation, the courtesy meeting between the two candidates has fueled rumors of a potential alliance between UML and Congress in that constituency.

A local resident from Pathari in that constituency stated, 'That meeting does not seem like just a chance encounter. I understand that discussions have taken place for UML to support Congress here.' The individual claimed that if UML supports the Congress candidate in Morang-3, Congress would support UML in Jhapa-5.

UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, a former Prime Minister, is in a difficult position after Balen registered his candidacy in Jhapa-5. It is reported that Oli sought support from Congress in Morang-3 to overcome his own crisis.

UML candidate Iron Rai unexpectedly visited Sunil Sharma's residence on Wednesday. Photos of Rai's visit are being circulated on social media in various ways. While UML and Congress workers have published the photos calling it an example of camaraderie, others are discussing it as a possible sign of an alliance.

Congress leader Mahendra Subedi, however, stated that there is no truth to the rumors of an alliance. 'It was just a chance meeting. Iron ji and his team visited Sunil ji's house during their door-to-door campaign. Since it was mealtime, Sunil ji was also present, so the meeting happened. Otherwise, it shouldn't have happened,' Subedi said. 'When we go for door-to-door campaigning, we meet UML candidates and CPN candidates. We also have cordial relations with RSP candidate Ganesh ji.'

He added that discussions might have taken place regarding how the situation has changed from the past, where competition between Congress and UML was intense, almost leading to a complete breakdown in communication.