Energy Minister Janardan Sharma flouted election code of conduct by taking part in a party programme in Gorkha district.

Sharma arrived Gorkha district in his ministerial vehicle and used cadres vehicle to take part in an inauguration ceremony of a party programme in district headquarters. He however did not inaugurated the programme, instead gave an addressing speech as a chief guest of the programme.

Sources claimed Minister Sharma ignored Gorkha CDO Jitendra Basnet's request to not take part in public programme. Sharma said he had reached the district to fix a meeting for Budhi Gandaki Project. "It is common to take part in a party programme during a visit to a district," he said.

Election Commission Spokesperson Surya Prasad Sharma said a minister taking part in a pubic programme organised by his party is violation of election code of conduct. "Taking part in governmental work in district is in line with the code but taking part in a public programme organised by one's party is a clear violation of election code," said EC Spokesperson Sharma.