The Change

The ugly violence which took place on Sunday night in JNU is just the tip of an iceberg. The rampage which goons indulged in looked straight out of Bollywood film where students replace debate with a baton to be followed by the destruction of public property and beating up of fellow students.

This is what exactly happened in JNU. Who were these people? Where did they come from? It is a matter of investigation but what is loud and clear is that violence was organised in the form of a hit back against a section of JNU students. A warning from a section of the establishment that protests will be met with a baton if it continues to embarrass the state.

The protests are a manifestation of a deep divide India has undergone fundamental issues ranging from secularism to economy to dissent to definition of patriotism. But it is for the first time that anti-government sentiments are running high in the country. The protests have broken BJP’s equilibrium whereby the interest of the state became common with the interest of the BJP-RSS combine.

For the past 5 years, both were seen as one and BJP was seen as the custodian of the national interest. It is not the case anymore. BJP’s core vote may remain intact and may also consolidate because of reverse polarisation, but a new constituency is indeed coming up against Narendra Modi in the form of unabashed student protests across the country. In 2016, JNU controversy and Rohinth Vemula suicide created unprecedented sympathy and media traction but failed to turn into a nationwide street protest. The streets remained with BJP and 2019 Lok Sabha elections stands as testimony of failed campus politics. This time the street has reclaimed its space as a place of dissent.

The Difference

So, the question is what makes the protests in 2019 different from 2016. The 2016 campaign became political from the beginning and saw politicians making a pilgrimage to educational institutions to revive the party’s morale after Lok Sabha drubbing in 2014 elections.

2019 protests against CAA, economy and NRC have been leaderless and far more spontaneous than the one which took place in 2016. Today, the protests are about policies of the government.

The stand-off is not on slogans and idea of India but a policy which has been passed in both houses of Parliament. The difference is that in 2016, the response towards protests was mild and only violence witnessed was in a court in Delhi where Kanhaiya Kumar got roughed up.

This time protests have been countered with strong protests from the groups supporting the government. It is not the first time that RSS-BJP and Left cadres have clashed. Just go down South - in Kannur, you would realise that hundreds of cadres of both sides have been bumped off. In fact, Home Minister Amit Shah launched previous Kerala campaign on this note. The campaign failed and Left came to power in Kerala. JNU is the last ideological bastion not captured by BJP and Left understands it. Electorally, JNU is insignificant but it has a huge symbolic value. It is this symbolic value which BJP wants to exploit.

The Challenge

The biggest challenge for the student protest is to incorporate middle India. When I use the word middle India, I mean those Indians who do not hate Muslims. But they come with their biases and a strong sense of what is good and bad for the country. I think the agitators should not throw history books and the Constitution at their face. The success of the agitation lies in making apolitical civil society take a political position which affects electoral politics.

This is what fundamentally happened during the Anna Hazare agitation where the distinction between pure politics and apolitical civil society merged. The civil society participated in the agitation for larger good by saying that it is an apolitical agitation for the larger good of the state. They made a political choice in politics without committing themselves to any party. It was for this reason that Congress lost, not the election but its hegemonic role in Indian politics. BJP should understand this. If this is to happen again, they would definitely be out of both South Block and people’s mind together.

(Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

The Change The ugly violence which took place on Sunday night in JNU is just the tip of an iceberg. The rampage which goons indulged in looked straight out of Bollywood film where students replace debate with a baton to be followed by the destruction of public property and beating up of fellow students.

The Change The ugly violence which took place on Sunday night in JNU is just the tip of an iceberg. The rampage which goons indulged in looked straight out of Bollywood film where students replace debate with a baton to be followed by the destruction of public property and beating up of fellow students. This is what exactly happened in JNU. Who were these people? Where did they come from? It is a matter of investigation but what is loud and clear is that violence was organised in the form of a hit back against a section of JNU students. A warning from a section of the establishment that protests will be met with a baton if it continues to embarrass the state. The protests are a manifestation of a deep divide India has undergone fundamental issues ranging from secularism to economy to dissent to definition of patriotism. But it is for the first time that anti-government sentiments are running high in the country. The protests have broken BJP’s equilibrium whereby the interest of the state became common with the interest of the BJP-RSS combine. For the past 5 years, both were seen as one and BJP was seen as the custodian of the national interest. It is not the case anymore. BJP’s core vote may remain intact and may also consolidate because of reverse polarisation, but a new constituency is indeed coming up against Narendra Modi in the form of unabashed student protests across the country. In 2016, JNU controversy and Rohinth Vemula suicide created unprecedented sympathy and media traction but failed to turn into a nationwide street protest. The streets remained with BJP and 2019 Lok Sabha elections stands as testimony of failed campus politics. This time the street has reclaimed its space as a place of dissent. The Difference So, the question is what makes the protests in 2019 different from 2016. The 2016 campaign became political from the beginning and saw politicians making a pilgrimage to educational institutions to revive the party’s morale after Lok Sabha drubbing in 2014 elections. 2019 protests against CAA, economy and NRC have been leaderless and far more spontaneous than the one which took place in 2016. Today, the protests are about policies of the government. The stand-off is not on slogans and idea of India but a policy which has been passed in both houses of Parliament. The difference is that in 2016, the response towards protests was mild and only violence witnessed was in a court in Delhi where Kanhaiya Kumar got roughed up. This time protests have been countered with strong protests from the groups supporting the government. It is not the first time that RSS-BJP and Left cadres have clashed. Just go down South - in Kannur, you would realise that hundreds of cadres of both sides have been bumped off. In fact, Home Minister Amit Shah launched previous Kerala campaign on this note. The campaign failed and Left came to power in Kerala. JNU is the last ideological bastion not captured by BJP and Left understands it. Electorally, JNU is insignificant but it has a huge symbolic value. It is this symbolic value which BJP wants to exploit. The Challenge The biggest challenge for the student protest is to incorporate middle India. When I use the word middle India, I mean those Indians who do not hate Muslims. But they come with their biases and a strong sense of what is good and bad for the country. I think the agitators should not throw history books and the Constitution at their face. The success of the agitation lies in making apolitical civil society take a political position which affects electoral politics. This is what fundamentally happened during the Anna Hazare agitation where the distinction between pure politics and apolitical civil society merged. The civil society participated in the agitation for larger good by saying that it is an apolitical agitation for the larger good of the state. They made a political choice in politics without committing themselves to any party. It was for this reason that Congress lost, not the election but its hegemonic role in Indian politics. BJP should understand this. If this is to happen again, they would definitely be out of both South Block and people’s mind together. (Views expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

JNU is not India but represents the idea of India

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30.

At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson.

"On the stipulated date, the elections would be held in 37 districts of the nation.&nbsp;

It would choose one Sub Metropolitan Chief, three Chief of Village Council, one Deputy Chief of Village Council, 41 Village Council and Metropolitan Ward Chiefs, three State Assembly members and one member of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-of-representatives-speaker-nancy-pelosi-praises-pm-modis-oratory-skills-says-he-had-audience-in-the-palm-of-his-hands-235157"> House of Representatives</a>.

With this, the Commission would expedite the preparations for elections," Kharel said.

Around two years ago, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepalese-nationals-require-visa-to-enter-india-via-pakistan-china-229579">Nepal</a> witnessed local level elections after a gap of nearly two decades and federal assembly elections which gave an overwhelming two-third majority to the Left Alliance.

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30. At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson.

After consultations with political parties, Nepal's Election Commission has decided to hold by elections in the Himalayan nation on November 30. At least 50 seats have remained vacant since the previous polls were held in 2017, according to Shankar Prasad Kharel, the Election Commission spokesperson. "On the stipulated date, the elections would be held in 37 districts of the nation. It would choose one Sub Metropolitan Chief, three Chief of Village Council, one Deputy Chief of Village Council, 41 Village Council and Metropolitan Ward Chiefs, three State Assembly members and one member of the House of Representatives. With this, the Commission would expedite the preparations for elections," Kharel said. Around two years ago, Nepal witnessed local level elections after a gap of nearly two decades and federal assembly elections which gave an overwhelming two-third majority to the Left Alliance.

Nepal to hold by elections in November end

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours.

"China, Nepal and India are important neighbours to each other. We hope the three sides can work together, have some sound interactions and achieve common development," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here.

The Left Alliance of the CPN-UML, led by K P Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, had in December secured 174 seats in the 275-member Parliament in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls.

Known for his pro-China stance, 65-year-old Oli was elected as the prime minister. He had earlier served as Nepal's prime minister from 2015 to 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained.

To a question about Oli's assertion to follow independent and balanced foreign policy, Lu said China "commend the Nepali government's commitment towards independent foreign policy."

China also "support Nepal developing friendly and positive relations with its neighbours," Lu added.

Oli, who had publicly criticised New Delhi for interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, after his sweeping poll victory said his party would forge a partnership with India to move forward the country towards the path of economic prosperity.&nbsp;

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours

China today commended Nepal's new Left Alliance government for adopting an independent and balanced policy towards its neighbours. "China, Nepal and India are important neighbours to each other. We hope the three sides can work together, have some sound interactions and achieve common development," Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lu Kang told a media briefing here. The Left Alliance of the CPN-UML, led by K P Sharma Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, had in December secured 174 seats in the 275-member Parliament in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls. Known for his pro-China stance, 65-year-old Oli was elected as the prime minister. He had earlier served as Nepal's prime minister from 2015 to 2016 during which Kathmandu's ties with New Delhi had strained. To a question about Oli's assertion to follow independent and balanced foreign policy, Lu said China "commend the Nepali government's commitment towards independent foreign policy." China also "support Nepal developing friendly and positive relations with its neighbours," Lu added. Oli, who had publicly criticised New Delhi for interfering in Nepal's internal matters and accused it of toppling his government, after his sweeping poll victory said his party would forge a partnership with India to move forward the country towards the path of economic prosperity.

China 'hails' Nepal's foreign policy

KP Sharma Oli was today sworn in as Nepal&#39;s Prime Minister for the second time, weeks after his Left alliance with CPN Maoist swept the historic parliamentary polls, kindling hopes for much-needed political stability in the Himalayan nation.

President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to 65-year-old Oli and two other ministers - both from the CPN-UML - at a function held at President&rsquo;s Office, Shital Niwas, in Maharajgunj.

Oli is the 41st prime minister of Nepal.

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Earlier, there were reports that leaders from the CPN Maoist, another member of the Left Alliance, would also join the cabinet.

According to sources close to the Maoist party, the Maoist leaders did not take oath after their demand for the portfolio of the deputy Prime Minister was turned down by Oli.

It is learnt that CPN-UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel was aspiring for the post of deputy Prime Minister in the new cabinet.

UML leaders Lal Babu Pandit and Thum Maya Thapa have been given the portfolios of Minister for Population and Environment, Minister for Women and Children respectively.

Oli&#39;s party CPN-UML secured 121 seats in the 275-member Parliament and became the largest party. The Nepali Congress has 63 seats while the CPN-Maoist Centre secured 53 seats.

Oli needs the support from the Maoist party led by Prachanda to prove the majority in the house.

His failure to include Maoist ministers during today&#39;s swearing-in ceremony raises question about the longevity of the new government, especially at a time when the two communist parties are in the process of unification, political observers say.

Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had served as the country&#39;s prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016.

His PM candidacy was supported by the CPN-Maoists, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, and Madhesi Rights Forum-Democratic along with 13 other small parties.

Earlier, former prime minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba had addressed the nation and submitted his resignation to the president.

Deuba was elected as the 40th Prime Minister on June 6 with the support from CPN (Maoist Centre) which is now a part of Left alliance.

&quot;The elections of three tiers of government have been successfully held under my leadership setting the foundation to long transition,&quot; Deuba said in the television address.

The Left alliance of the CPN-UML, led by Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, secured almost two third majority in the Parliament during the parliamentary elections.

The Madhesi parties - Rastriya Janta Party Nepal has got 17 seats and Federal Socialist Party Nepal secured 16 seats in the Parliamentary elections.

The elections were seen as the final step in Nepal&#39;s transition to a federal democracy following a decade-long civil war till 2006 that claimed more than 16,000 lives.

In 2015, when Nepal adopted a new Constitution that split it into seven states, dozens of people were killed in ethnic clashes over territory and rights.

Following the adoption of the new Constitution, the ethnic Madhesi group, mostly of Indian-origin, protested for months, saying they were not getting enough territory in one of the provinces and were also facing discrimination.

The polls are said to be a step forward in cementing democracy and providing political stability to Nepal, which has seen 10 prime ministers in as many years.

Oli had served as deputy prime minister during the then interim government led by Girija Prasad Koirala in 2006 after the successful conclusion of the second Peoples Movement. He was elected as a member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the first time from Jhapa district in 1991.

He had also served as Minister of Home Affairs in 1994&ndash;1995. He was re-elected to the House of Representatives from Jhapa electorate in 1999.&nbsp;

KP Sharma Oli was today sworn in as Nepal's Prime Minister for the second time, weeks after his Left alliance with CPN Maoist swept the historic parliamentary polls, kindling hopes for much-needed political stability in the Himalayan nation. President Bidya Devi Bhandari administered the oath of office and secrecy to 65-year-old Oli and two other ministers - both from the CPN-UML - at a function held at President’s Office, Shital Niwas, in Maharajgunj. Oli is the 41st prime minister of Nepal. According to sources close to the Maoist party, the Maoist leaders did not take oath after their demand for the portfolio of the deputy Prime Minister was turned down by Oli × Earlier, there were reports that leaders from the CPN Maoist, another member of the Left Alliance, would also join the cabinet. According to sources close to the Maoist party, the Maoist leaders did not take oath after their demand for the portfolio of the deputy Prime Minister was turned down by Oli. It is learnt that CPN-UML general secretary Ishwor Pokharel was aspiring for the post of deputy Prime Minister in the new cabinet. UML leaders Lal Babu Pandit and Thum Maya Thapa have been given the portfolios of Minister for Population and Environment, Minister for Women and Children respectively. Oli's party CPN-UML secured 121 seats in the 275-member Parliament and became the largest party. The Nepali Congress has 63 seats while the CPN-Maoist Centre secured 53 seats. Oli needs the support from the Maoist party led by Prachanda to prove the majority in the house. His failure to include Maoist ministers during today's swearing-in ceremony raises question about the longevity of the new government, especially at a time when the two communist parties are in the process of unification, political observers say. Known for his pro-China stance, Oli had served as the country's prime minister from October 11, 2015 to August 3, 2016. His PM candidacy was supported by the CPN-Maoists, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Nepal, and Madhesi Rights Forum-Democratic along with 13 other small parties. Earlier, former prime minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba had addressed the nation and submitted his resignation to the president. Deuba was elected as the 40th Prime Minister on June 6 with the support from CPN (Maoist Centre) which is now a part of Left alliance. "The elections of three tiers of government have been successfully held under my leadership setting the foundation to long transition," Deuba said in the television address. The Left alliance of the CPN-UML, led by Oli and CPN-Maoist Centre, led by Prachanda, secured almost two third majority in the Parliament during the parliamentary elections. The Madhesi parties - Rastriya Janta Party Nepal has got 17 seats and Federal Socialist Party Nepal secured 16 seats in the Parliamentary elections. The elections were seen as the final step in Nepal's transition to a federal democracy following a decade-long civil war till 2006 that claimed more than 16,000 lives. In 2015, when Nepal adopted a new Constitution that split it into seven states, dozens of people were killed in ethnic clashes over territory and rights. Following the adoption of the new Constitution, the ethnic Madhesi group, mostly of Indian-origin, protested for months, saying they were not getting enough territory in one of the provinces and were also facing discrimination. The polls are said to be a step forward in cementing democracy and providing political stability to Nepal, which has seen 10 prime ministers in as many years. Oli had served as deputy prime minister during the then interim government led by Girija Prasad Koirala in 2006 after the successful conclusion of the second Peoples Movement. He was elected as a member of Parliament in the House of Representatives for the first time from Jhapa district in 1991. He had also served as Minister of Home Affairs in 1994–1995. He was re-elected to the House of Representatives from Jhapa electorate in 1999.

KP Oli sworn in as Nepal PM for second time

The Left alliance has won a majority in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls, with the CPN-UML emerging as the largest party after counting of votes of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) ended on Wednesday.

The CPN-UML led by former premier K P Oli and the CPN- Maoist led by former premier Prachanda had forged the electoral alliance for both the provincial and parliamentary elections.

The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system.

The CPN-UML won 80 seats, which is close to 50 per cent of the total 165 seats under the direct voting system. The CPN-Maoist and the Nepali Congress have won 36 and 23 seats respectively.

The Left alliance would form a government at the centre. CPN-UML chairman Oli is likely to lead the new government.

The combined strength of the two Madhesi parties, Rastriya Janata Party and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, has reached 21. RJP secured 11 seats whereas FSFN won 10.

The remaining four seats were divided among three fringe parties and an independent candidate.

The Left alliance also secured majority in all provincial assemblies except province No. 2.

In the provincial assembly, out of a total 330 seats, the CPN-UML secured the highest number of 168 seats followed by the Maoist Centre with 73 seats.

The Nepali Congress stood third by securing 41 seats. The RJP and FSFN have secured 16 and 24 seats respectively, and the remaining 8 seats went to the fringe parties.

Under the proportionate voting system, the CPN-UML is leading the Nepali Congress with a thin margin. The CPN-UML has so far received 2.25 million votes whereas the Nepali Congress has secured 2.16 million votes.

The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the-post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system.

Voting in two-phased parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7.

In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered.

The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system

The Left alliance has won a majority in the historic provincial and parliamentary polls, with the CPN-UML emerging as the largest party after counting of votes of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) ended on Wednesday. The CPN-UML led by former premier K P Oli and the CPN- Maoist led by former premier Prachanda had forged the electoral alliance for both the provincial and parliamentary elections. The alliance bagged 116 seats out of a total 165 under the first-past-the-post system. The CPN-UML won 80 seats, which is close to 50 per cent of the total 165 seats under the direct voting system. The CPN-Maoist and the Nepali Congress have won 36 and 23 seats respectively. The Left alliance would form a government at the centre. CPN-UML chairman Oli is likely to lead the new government. The combined strength of the two Madhesi parties, Rastriya Janata Party and Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, has reached 21. RJP secured 11 seats whereas FSFN won 10. The remaining four seats were divided among three fringe parties and an independent candidate. The Left alliance also secured majority in all provincial assemblies except province No. 2. In the provincial assembly, out of a total 330 seats, the CPN-UML secured the highest number of 168 seats followed by the Maoist Centre with 73 seats. The Nepali Congress stood third by securing 41 seats. The RJP and FSFN have secured 16 and 24 seats respectively, and the remaining 8 seats went to the fringe parties. Under the proportionate voting system, the CPN-UML is leading the Nepali Congress with a thin margin. The CPN-UML has so far received 2.25 million votes whereas the Nepali Congress has secured 2.16 million votes. The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the-post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system. Voting in two-phased parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7. In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered.

Left gets 116 seats as FPTP vote count concludes in Nepal

The Left alliance has won at least 26 of the 30 parliamentary seats and is leading comfortably against the opposition NC which has won three seats in the historic parliamentary and provincial assembly polls in Nepal, officials said today.

The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has won 18 seats while its alliance partner the CPN Maoist-Centre eight. The opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has won three seats while independent one.

The CPN-UML is leading on 44 seats, the CPN-Maoist Centre on 18 and the NC on 12 seats, they said.

A total of 1,663 candidates contested polls for parliamentary seats while 2,819 were in the fray for the provincial assembly seats in the historic elections that many hope will bring the much-needed political stability to the Himalayan nation.

The polls will elect 128 members of parliament and 256 members of provincial assemblies.

The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the- post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system.

Of the 10 parliamentary seats in Kathmandu district, the CPN-UML has won three while the NC two.

Senior NC leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has won from Kathmandu-1 seat by a thin margin against his rival Ravindra Mishra, a senior journalist who was contesting from a new party Sajha Viveksheel.

Popular NC youth leader Gagan Thapa won from Kathmandu-4 by defeating Rajan Bhattarai of the CPN-UML.

Left alliance candidates Krishna Kumar Rai, Jeevan Ram Bhandari and Krishna Gopal Shrestha have won from Kathmandu-3, Kathmandu-8 and Kathmandu-9 seats respectively by defeating their NC opponents.

In the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections, the Nepali Congress had won eight out of ten seats from Kathmandu.

The heavyweights who lost include NC leader Shekhar Koirala, Communication minister and NC candidate Mohan Basnet and Rastriya Prajatantrik Party leader Pashupati Shumsher Rana.

Koirala lost to Lal Babu Pandit of the CPN-UML from Morang&nbsp;while Basnet lost to Agni Sapkota of the CPN-Maoist Centre from Sindhupalchowk&nbsp;seat. Rana lost to Sher Bahadur Tamang of the CPN-UML on Sindhupalcowk&nbsp;seat.

In the provincial assemblies, the CPN-UML has won 12 seats while the CPN-Maoist Centre and the NC won 8 and 3 seats respectively, they said.

Voting in two-phased the parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7.

In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered.

The elections are being seen as the final step in Nepal&#39;s transition to a federal democracy following a decade-long civil war till 2006 that claimed more than 16,000 lives.

While many hope Nepal&#39;s first state elections will hasten regional development, others fear they will spark a fresh wave of violence.

In 2015, when Nepal adopted a new Constitution that split it into seven states, dozens of people were killed in ethnic clashes over territory and rights.

Following the adoption of the new Constitution, the ethnic Madhesi group, mostly of Indian-origin, protested for months, saying they were not getting enough territory in one of the provinces and were also facing discrimination.

The polls are seen as a major step towards implementing the new Constitution.&nbsp;

The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has won 18 seats while its alliance partner the CPN Maoist-Centre eight.

The Left alliance has won at least 26 of the 30 parliamentary seats and is leading comfortably against the opposition NC which has won three seats in the historic parliamentary and provincial assembly polls in Nepal, officials said today. The Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) has won 18 seats while its alliance partner the CPN Maoist-Centre eight. The opposition Nepali Congress (NC) has won three seats while independent one. The CPN-UML is leading on 44 seats, the CPN-Maoist Centre on 18 and the NC on 12 seats, they said. A total of 1,663 candidates contested polls for parliamentary seats while 2,819 were in the fray for the provincial assembly seats in the historic elections that many hope will bring the much-needed political stability to the Himalayan nation. The polls will elect 128 members of parliament and 256 members of provincial assemblies. The house of representatives consists of 275 members, of which 165 would be elected directly under the first-past-the- post system while the remaining 110 will come through the proportional representation system. Of the 10 parliamentary seats in Kathmandu district, the CPN-UML has won three while the NC two. Senior NC leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh has won from Kathmandu-1 seat by a thin margin against his rival Ravindra Mishra, a senior journalist who was contesting from a new party Sajha Viveksheel. Popular NC youth leader Gagan Thapa won from Kathmandu-4 by defeating Rajan Bhattarai of the CPN-UML. Left alliance candidates Krishna Kumar Rai, Jeevan Ram Bhandari and Krishna Gopal Shrestha have won from Kathmandu-3, Kathmandu-8 and Kathmandu-9 seats respectively by defeating their NC opponents. In the 2013 Constituent Assembly elections, the Nepali Congress had won eight out of ten seats from Kathmandu. The heavyweights who lost include NC leader Shekhar Koirala, Communication minister and NC candidate Mohan Basnet and Rastriya Prajatantrik Party leader Pashupati Shumsher Rana. Koirala lost to Lal Babu Pandit of the CPN-UML from Morang while Basnet lost to Agni Sapkota of the CPN-Maoist Centre from Sindhupalchowk seat. Rana lost to Sher Bahadur Tamang of the CPN-UML on Sindhupalcowk seat. In the provincial assemblies, the CPN-UML has won 12 seats while the CPN-Maoist Centre and the NC won 8 and 3 seats respectively, they said. Voting in two-phased the parliamentary and provincial assembly elections were held on November 26 and December 7. In the first phase, polling was held in 32 districts, mostly situated in the hilly and mountainous region, in which 65 per cent of voters had exercised their franchise. In the second phase, 67 per cent voter turnout was registered. The elections are being seen as the final step in Nepal's transition to a federal democracy following a decade-long civil war till 2006 that claimed more than 16,000 lives. While many hope Nepal's first state elections will hasten regional development, others fear they will spark a fresh wave of violence. In 2015, when Nepal adopted a new Constitution that split it into seven states, dozens of people were killed in ethnic clashes over territory and rights. Following the adoption of the new Constitution, the ethnic Madhesi group, mostly of Indian-origin, protested for months, saying they were not getting enough territory in one of the provinces and were also facing discrimination. The polls are seen as a major step towards implementing the new Constitution.

Nepal polls: Left alliance wins 26 seats, Nepali Cong 3

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