CPN-UML leaders have said that the ruling parties—Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre)— were reluctant to hold the three-level elections as they feared defeat.

Addressing a gathering organised by the UML Central Publicity Department and Press Chautari in Birendranagar, Surkhet, on Sunday, UML Vice Chairman Yubaraj Gyawali said that the ruling parties were running away from the elections because of the growing popularity of UML.

“Maoist Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba are panic-stricken because of UML’s popularity, Gyawali said. “No party other than the UML seems to have the courage to resolve the country’s problem. That’s why the people’s trust in UML is growing.” UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai, who is also the chief of the party’s publicity department, accused Prime Minister Dahal and NC President Deuba of acting as “tyrants”.

He claimed that the Maoist-led government was not serious about the imminent political and constitutional crisis the nation could face after January 21, 2018, the deadline for holding the three-level elections. “The UML is capable of providing a way out for the nation if  Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) can’t do it,” Bhattarai said.

He also accused the CPN (Maoist Centre) of putting national independence and sovereignty in danger by trying to split the Hill and the Tarai districts in the name of federalism. “The UML will fight till end against separatist agenda espoused by the Maoist,” he said.