Former PM Baburam Bhattarai Withdraws Candidacy

Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has withdrawn his candidacy for the upcoming February 21 elections. He had filed his nomination from Gorkha-2 as a candidate of the Progressive Democratic Party (Pralopa).

Bhattarai decided to withdraw after other leaders requested him to act as a neutral guardian rather than representing any particular party.

He recalled his efforts to build new alternative political forces over time and emphasized that he has given opportunities to new leadership within his party. He also highlighted that he will now focus on the country’s economic development in line with the spirit of the Gen Z movement, remaining independent of any party affiliation.

The Election Commission had set the candidate withdrawal period from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM today. Following this, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the final list of candidates will be published at all 77 Chief Election Officer offices and 88 Election Officer offices nationwide.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Kul Bahadur Jisi, the symbol allocation ceremony for candidates will take place today from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.