KATHMANDU, Feb 2: The top leaders of Nepal’s three major parties reportedly held a private meeting ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections. Sources say UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, Nepali Congress (NC)’s outgoing President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal met on Sunday evening to discuss the nation’s recent political developments.
The meeting, with the March 5 HoR election in focus, reportedly included serious discussions of possible electoral alliances. Sources indicate that Chair Oli solicited support in constituencies where UML is seen as having strong winning prospects.
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However, both Deuba and UML’s Publicity Department Chief Min Bahadur Shahi claimed to be unaware of the gathering. “I am outside Kathmandu and have no information on this matter. I don’t believe any such meeting took place. I will return tomorrow,” said Deuba’s Personal Secretary Bhanu Deuba. Shahi added, “I have no formal information regarding this meeting.”
Insiders suggest UML expects backing in key areas such as Jhapa and Dang. The meeting reportedly followed Gagan Thapa’s rise to party president through a special general convention.
The leaders appear reluctant to make details of the meeting public. Attempts to reach Dahal’s Press Coordinator Gobinda Acharya were unsuccessful as his phone remained switched off.