Kathmandu, September 20, 2026 — CPN-UML Secretary Mahesh Basnet has said people whose names have been linked to a report by The Grayzone should provide the public with clear answers and explanations about the issues raised in the report.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the party’s Election Review and Reorganization Task Force at the CPN-UML central office in Chyasal on Sunday, Basnet said those named in the report should refute it with facts if it is incorrect or otherwise respond to the questions it raises.
He also questioned the arrest of political analyst Bharat Dahal over allegations that he interpreted or discussed the report. Basnet said arresting someone for speaking about the report instead of factually refuting its contents would raise further questions if the report was wrong.
Basnet claimed that the report had linked Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung and lawmaker Ranjana Darshana, among others, and said they should provide serious responses to the issues raised.
He also alleged that foreign powers had played a role in the events of 23–24 and that attempts had been made to destabilize Nepal by using certain individuals. He called for an impartial investigation into the damage and violent activities targeting important state structures, including Singha Durbar, the Supreme Court and Parliament.
