BHAKTAPUR: CPN-UML Central Committee Member and former Minister for Industry Som Prasad Pandey has accused the government of promoting corruption and smuggling in the country.

Speaking at an interaction programme in Bhaktapur on Wednesday, leader Pandey said, the government should book the alleged persons involved in the rampant corruption and smuggling.

Parliamentarian Pandey also said rampant corruption and smuggling is taking its toll as the coalition government is not cooperating with the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority.

He also claimed that UML's being people's party would emerge victorious in the third phase local polls.

Leader Pandey claimed that the UML would make a majority government after all level of elections are held by January 21.

He also stressed that UML has always stood for national prosperity and development.

Former Industry Minister Pandey said the incumbent government failed to implement previous government development plans as they were thwarted by external forces.

The third phase of local polls in province number 2 is slated on September 18. As per the constitutional requirement, Nepal should hold its all its elections by January 21.