BAGLUNG, Nov 11: Despite failing to officially withdraw his candidacy for the provincial by-election in Baglung, a candidate from the ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) has agreed to extend his support to the party-favored candidate, Khim Bikram Shahi.

Going against the party's instruction, NCP leader Sherman Gharti had filed his candidacy from Baglung Constituency-2. As per an agreement reached between the NCP and Rastriya Janamorcha Party, NCP leaders had agreed to extend their support to Shahi as part of a larger left political alliance. But, Gharti filed the candidacy defying the party's instruction.

Gharti agreed to stand down at the last moment on Sunday, the deadline given by the Election Commission.

On Sunday, NCP flew Gharti In a helicopter to Baglung. But, Gharti reached the Election Commission Office 20 minutes later than the deadline.

Despite failing to withdraw his candidacy, Gharti said that he will respect the decision of the party and support Khim Bikram Shahi of Rastriya Janamorcha Party. “Due to the geography of the region, I couldn't reach the Election Commission Office on time, and officially withdraw my candidacy,” he said, adding that he was ready to withdraw his candidacy after NCP agreed to fulfill his demands.

“I have demanded that the Western part of Baglung should be made another district. I was ready to withdraw my candidacy after the party decided to consider my demands,” he said, adding that he will help the candidate of Rastriya Janamorcha Party in the by-elections.

The NCP flew Gharti on a Prabhu Helicopter chopper. Yet he was 20 minutes late to reach the EC office. Chief Election Officer of Baglung, Basudev Neupane, said that Gharti had failed to withdraw his candidacy as he reached the EC office 20 minutes later than the deadline to do so.

 
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