Kavre, May 19

CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli today credited his party’s lead in the first phase of local level polls to their nationalistic stance.

Speaking at a victory rally organised by the UML in Banepa Municipality today, Oli said, “The UML has always stood for nationalism, but our cadres definitely had to work hard to strengthen the party’s position.”

Oli claimed that the leaders of Nepali Congress were threatening Banepa locals to get votes their favour. “The people will decide with their votes. Hence, there is no point in influencing or threatening voters,” said Oli. He also said his party was planning to transform Banepa Municipality into a modern city.

UML candidates have won mayoral posts in two municipalities of Kavre, while Nepali Congress has secured one mayor post. UML’s Laxmi Narsingh Bade was elected the mayor of Banepa Municipality and Rekha Dahal won the post of deputy mayor.

Similarly, UML’s Bhim Neupane won the mayoral post in Panauti Municipality whereas Gita Banjara was elected deputy mayor. NC’s Mahesh Kharel and Laxmi Danuwar were elected mayor and deputy mayor respectively of Panchkhal Municipality. CPN MC’s Dinanath Gautam was elected as the chief and Tara Chaulagain deputy chief of Pokharichauri Rural Municipality.