Jan 22, Kathmandu - CPN (UML) Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli urged voters not to waste their precious votes for candidates who have no collateral or guarantee, that is, no political identity and grounding, in the upcoming elections.

Addressing an election program organized in Jhapa, he cited the example of banks seeking collateral while printing notes and asserted that voting for people they do not know or do not know is risky from a development perspective. Recalling that the country had to pay a heavy price for development when it voted for Naya Shakti in the 2064 BS election, he commented that the experience at that time was very bitter and sour.

Targeting Balendra Shah (Balen), leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Chairman Oli claimed that he had built a road and bridge in his home district of Mahottari. Stating that the road from Matiani to Janakpur in Mahottari and the development in front of Shah's home were done during the UML government, he asked what Shah's contribution was to Jhapa.

Adding to the context of the use of bulldozers in the squatter settlements of Kathmandu, Oli said that even the squatters of Jhapa have expressed their fear that they will also be evicted after the so-called new candidates come. He stressed that local and familiar faces should be given priority over 'tourist candidates' in every field.

He said that the UML's struggle is not only to bring a majority, become an MP or Prime Minister, but also to protect the country, maintain peace and order and bring the constitution into proper rhythm.

Stating that the young generation needs to understand the reality for strengthening democracy and good governance, Chairman Oli called on everyone to free themselves from the illusion spread by the fog of social media. He said that Balendra Shah's candidacy will not make a big difference and expressed his belief that the people will recognize the working force.