KATHMANDU: Names of the candidates picked by the CPN-UML Standing Committee for mayoral and deputy mayoral elections in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City have been dragged in a controversy from within the party.

The UML's top committee last week had decided to field Shiva Raj Subedi and  Goma Acharya for mayor and deputy mayor respectively.

But, the party's Province 5 Committee member Sabitra Aryal has accused the Standing Committee of ignoring cadres' aspiration and deciding the names on the basis of factionalism.

Earlier, Aryal's name was also floated as the deputy mayoral candidate.

"Why was I disqualified," Aryal questioned, "I had met all requirements set by the party for the candidacy. I was option-less on the basis of seniority."

"I do not have any answer why my name was deleted. I want to ask this question to the committee which removed my name and its leaders."

Goma Acharya, the party's deputy mayoral candidate, however, has claimed that the party's provincial committee had decided to nominate her only to maintain a geographical balance.

She also claimed to have worked in the party in various capacities. She currently serves as the vice-president of women committee of the General Federation of Nepalese Trade Union (GeFONT).

Acharya, an SLC graduate, said she was active in the party for last 27 years.

She is a permanent resident of Semlar in Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-15.

Meanwhile, the committee leaders, however, have clarified that Aryal will not go against the party decision and will invest all her energies to make the party candidates victorious.

The second phase of local level election is scheduled to be held in 43 districts of Province number 1, 2, 5 and 7 for selecting local representatives on June 28.