The main opposition CPN-UML has accused the government of providing security only to candidates of the ruling parties. 

Condemning attack on former minister and UML candidate for the upcoming provincial polls from Bhojpur-1 Sher Dhan Rai, UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has accused the government of not providing security even to the candidates contesting polls from sensitive constituencies. 

An unidentified group hurled a bomb at the vehicle of Rai in Bhojpur on Tuesday. Rai was on his way to take part in an election campaign when the bomb was thrown at his vehicle at a monastery in Tyamke Mainung Rural Municipality in the district. Rai’s bodyguard Dilli Sapkota responded by firing 14 rounds into the air. While the former minister for Information and Communications escaped unharmed, his bodyguard Sapkota was slightly injured.

“The government has not provided security to the candidates of left alliance despite repeated requests. Security personnel seem are flocking only around the ruling party leaders,” Oli said in a statement.  

High profile leaders, including former home minister Janardan Sharma, who currently holds status of minister without portfolio, was attacked with improvised explosive devices at Goiri in Chaurjahari Municipality-8, Rukum on Friday. No one was injured in the attack. Likewise, former finance minister Barsha Man Pun came under attacks during at Rolpa on Saturday and Sunday. 

Blaming those behind such attacks as forces against democracy, election, the UML chief has demanded harsh action against those involved. He has also urged the government to become serious over such issues and ensure peaceful polls.