As the general election campaign intensifies, the idea of a public debate between prime ministerial candidates has sparked a heated political exchange. Former prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli has announced his readiness to participate in a debate on the party’s policies and plans.
Oli, in a social media post on Sunday, said, “I am ready for a public debate. New and old parties are all in the fray. In the contest between those who destroy the country and those who build it, our party stands firmly on the side of nation-building. There is a growing demand for a transparent debate where leaders present their agendas directly to the public. I am prepared to stand face-to-face, discuss what we have done, and outline our roadmap for the future.”
He added that such a debate remains necessary even though political parties have already declared their prime ministerial candidates. Oli also urged organisers to invite all leaders to ensure a comprehensive discussion on their policies and programmes.
However, Oli’s proposal was immediately rejected by Rastriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balendra Shah, widely known as Balen, who is contesting from Jhapa-5, the same constituency as Oli.
In response, Balen wrote, “It is fine if he considers himself someone who destroys the country. After all, you knew the exact locations of leaders’ houses. On September 8, children were killed to hide terrorism, and the next day, fires were set. When will he admit to being a terrorist? Only then can we discuss other things. Standing on the same stage with the killer of 76 children and his accomplices would make it seem as if I am also complicit.”
12.12°C Kathmandu
