Protest Against Arrest and Outrage Over Remarks: Effigies of Prime Minister and Home Minister Burnt in Budhanilkantha

Kathmandu. The CPN (Majority) has staged a protest, strongly objecting to the arrest of its General Secretary, Dharmendra Bastola ‘Kanchan’, and the remarks reportedly made by Prime Minister Sushila Karki regarding the election boycott. During the protest, party activists burned effigies of Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal in the Budhanilkantha area of Kathmandu.

According to the party, General Secretary Bastola was arrested based on political prejudice, which they interpret as an interference with democratic rights. The CPN (Majority) has criticized the characterization of their political decision to boycott the elections as ‘apolitical’ and ‘vile,’ calling it an expression of an intolerant and oppressive mindset.

During the demonstration, participants chanted slogans against the government, demanding the immediate release of their leader and an explanation regarding the remarks. They also accused the government of attempting to criminalize peaceful political activities.

The party has described the effigy burning in Budhanilkantha as a ‘symbolic protest.’ The protestors claimed that the current government is moving against democratic values and principles, warning that their struggle to protect political rights will continue.

An official response from the government on this matter has not yet been made public. In recent days, issues surrounding political expression, arrests, and protests have once again become central to public debate. According to analysts, such incidents indicate a potential for further polarization of the country’s political environment.

While political disagreements and voices of protest are natural aspects of a democratic system, the question of how they are managed has resurfaced. The need to seek solutions through dialogue, consensus, and tolerance has become increasingly urgent.