CPN (UML) Secretary Mahesh Basnet Alleges State-Sponsored Misinformation Campaign Against Party Leadership

Lalitpur. CPN (UML) Secretary Mahesh Basnet has alleged that a planned misinformation campaign is being carried out against the party leadership and leaders at the state level. Addressing the 'Party Awakening Campaign' launch program in Lalitpur on Saturday, Secretary Basnet claimed that attacks against UML are being carried out using digital platforms. Secretary Basnet stated that the events of the 23rd and 24th of last year were an attack on Nepal, and accused various digital channels and organizations of involvement. He asserted that organizations like Discord channel, 'We Nepali Barbara Foundation', and 'American Youth Council' are being operated with the backing of foreign powers. Basnet said that these platforms were used to teach violent activities such as making bombs and burning government buildings and private industries. He commented that the government has made baseless accusations against the party's chairman KP Sharma Oli and vice-chairman Bishnu Paudel in a vindictive manner, claiming that the accusations against Vice-Chairman Paudel regarding land and industry shares are unfounded. He warned that UML would settle political scores for such activities. Speaking at the program, Secretary Basnet said, 'An attempt is being made to create terror against the state. Digital platforms are being used as a medium to spread misinformation against us. The events of Bhadra 23 and 24 were an attack on Nepal. In those events, from the use of Discord channel to groups claimed to be associated with imperialist countries like 'We Are Nepali', 'Barbara Foundation', and 'American Youth Council', and factions operated by Sudan Gurung, an attack was carried out on Nepal. Bomb making was taught there, burning houses was taught. Singha Durbar was burned, parliament was burned, the Supreme Court was burned, private industries and factories were burned, and our houses were also burned. Today, those criminals are protected under the shadow of power. We have not yet received compensation for our burned houses.' He further added, 'On the other hand, CPN UML has kept a one-by-one account of Balen and Sudan who talk about arresting our respected Chairman KP Sharma Oli within 24 hours of taking the oath of office. You will be held accountable for this. One, two, three. Today, Bishnu Paudel is imprisoned with baseless accusations. Balen Shah, who used to ride an 80 million rupee vehicle of wealth yesterday, is now engaged in a campaign to legitimize wealth through the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority. Sudan Gurung, who took shares from Deepak Bhatta yesterday, is walking around freely today. We are hearing news now – he has disappeared. Those who commit misdeeds will naturally disappear.' Basnet stated that UML's plan is to first clarify these numerous confusions to the party's leaders and cadres, and then to the general public through the awakening campaign initiated by the party. He also declared that the party ranks would powerfully present themselves ideologically and organizationally against those who sow confusion.