Nepali Army’s aircraft used in coalition’s election assemblies (With video)

KATHMANDU: The election code of conduct has barred candidates, political parties and leaders from using aircrafts and choppers.

Owing to the same provision, Rajendra Bajagain, candidate of Gorkha from the ruling alliance, has been asking permission from the Election Commission to allow the candidates to use helicopters saying that they have been facing difficulties to reach remote places of the Himalayan regions to seek votes.

The question of code of conduct, however, has been raised after the senior leaders of the ruling coalition held election assemblies in the capital of Sudurpaschim and Karnali Provinces by using Nepal Army’s aircraft.

On Sunday, Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Ram Chandra Paudel and NC senior leader Ram Chandra Paudel among others reached Dhangadhi and Surkhet in the aircraft of Nepal Army.

Earlier, Prime Minister Deuba had used the chopper of Nepal Army to attend the election assembly of the coalition in Rupandehi.

The main opposition CPN-UML has expressed its dissatisfaction after the ruling coalition leaders were found using Nepal Army aircrafts and choppers even to the place where regular flights take place.

The UML accused the Prime Minister of misusing the power.

UML central member and Chief at the Legal Department Ramesh Badal, who has got the responsibility to coordinate with the Election Commission, said that it is a crime against the Election Offenses and Punishment Act 2073 to misuse the government helicopter.

Meanwhile, a source at the Office Prime Minister’s Office said that Prime Minister Deuba used the Nepali Army helicopter to monitor government offices and barracks.