- The CPN (UML) condemned the arrest of Vice Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Surkhet, labeling it an "abduction-style" misuse of state power.
- Chairman KP Sharma Oli accused the government of authoritarian behavior and using state agencies to target opposition leaders for political gain.
- The party demanded Paudel's immediate release, arguing that authorities should have used formal legal summons instead of a sudden arrest.
- UML leaders warned of nationwide protests if the government continues to misuse authority and weaken democratic practices through such actions.
Surkhet, Nepal: The CPN (UML) has strongly objected to the arrest of its Vice Chairman Bishnu Prasad Paudel in Surkhet, saying the action taken by authorities was unjust, unnecessary, and carried out in an “abduction-style” manner.
In a statement released on Monday, the party accused the government of misusing state power and targeting opposition leaders for political gain. UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli said the present government has been showing increasingly authoritarian behavior and using state agencies to pressure political opponents.
The party said Bishnu Prasad Paudel, a former finance minister and senior UML leader, was in Surkhet to attend a previously scheduled party programme when he was taken into custody. It argued that if there were any legal questions surrounding him, authorities could have used normal legal channels such as a summons or formal inquiry instead of an immediate arrest.
UML leaders described the incident as not just an action against an individual, but as a broader attempt to weaken the party and discourage its political activities. They said such moves create unnecessary tension and raise concerns about the state of democratic practices in the country.
The party has demanded Paudel’s immediate release and urged the government to act within constitutional limits. It has also called on civil society groups and democratic forces to speak out against what it sees as growing misuse of authority.
Warning of possible nationwide protests, the UML said it would be forced to take stronger political steps if such actions continue.
As of now, government officials have not issued any statement explaining the reason for the arrest or responding to the allegations made by the UML.
The incident has added fresh tension to the country’s political atmosphere, with opposition and ruling parties continuing to trade accusations over the use of state power and respect for democratic norms.
