Kavre, March 3

In a clear violation of election code of conduct that came into effect on Wednesday, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal used a helicopter to reach Kavre to address his party CPN-Maoist Centre's function here today.

The poll code bars any party leader and cadre from using helicopter for party work.

Prime Minister Dahal, who is also CPN-MC chair, reached Kavre in Nepali Army's NA 053 helicopter at 1:30pm to address a party programme organised at Kamidanda to mark the party's martyrs' week.

Government vehicles were also used to assist the PM at the programme venue.

After the chopper dropped Dahal and party's politburo members at Manedanda, vehicles of chief district officer, local development officer and Kathmandu University were used to ferry them to programme venue at Pokharidanda.

When asked about Prime Minister Dahal's violation of the election code, Election Commission Spokesperson Surya Prasad Sharma claimed that Dahal used the helicopter after seeking permission in writing.

Dahal stayed at the programme for two-and-a-half hours and welcomed over 50 people who joined his party.