The CPN-UML has decided to field Krishna Bahadur Thapa for the post of mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City.
Though the UML on Saturday had decided to field Deepak Poudel as Pokhara mayor, the party withdrew his name after a video surfaced in which he is seen stealing gold ornament from a jewellery shop in Pokhara.
The new candidate Thapa, however, is also not free of controversy. He had run into controversy after he demanded the release of those who were detained on charge of caste-based discrimination.
On May 6, 2020, Thapa had issued a statement demanding unconditional release of people who were arrested on charge of racial discrimination.
Thapa had published the statement favouring the local Chettri community who were barring members of the Dalit community to use the house built in a public place for people to stay for the final rites of a deceased.
Meanwhile, the UML has fielded Keshav Sthapit for the mayoral post in Kathmandu. Sthapit also faces sexual harassment charges by at least two women including Rashmila Prajapati, who was an employee of the KMC.
Sthapit filed his candidacy on behalf the main opposition CPN-UML on Monday along with deputy Mayor candidate, Sunita Dangol, who had bagged Miss Newa title in the past.