CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai has said ruling Nepali Congress (NC) will badly damage its political reputation if it decides to support the suspended chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), Lokman Singh Karki.

Addressing a tea reception and greetings exchange programme organised at Damauli, Tanahun on Monday, leader Bhattarai remarked that that though informed sources have disclosed that the NC is considering voting for Karki’s impeachment, the UML will continue to urge to vote for the impeachment motion until the party takes its official decision. 

“Whoever tries to save Lokman will end up ruining themselves,” said the UML leader, “It has been heard that NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba has been directing his party leaders to speak in favour of the impeachment motion.” He urged the NC to endorse the decision from the party Central Working Committee. 

Leader Bhattarai advised Karki to resign before the endorsement of the impeachment motion. He opined that the CIAA should conduct investigation into Karki’s conduct.

“Karki robbed shoulders with corrupt individuals during his three-year tenure as CIAA chief and abused his authority to grant amnesty to them. All these should be probed,” said Karki, “He should be punished for abuse of authority and  contempt of court.”