Kathmandu, February 17, 2026: Police have arrested Dharmendra Bastola, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Nepal (Majority), on charges of involvement in a campaign boycotting the upcoming elections.
A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office, Teku, detained him, Senior Superintendent of Police Santosh Khadka announced to the press today, adding that the party’s Kavre District Secretary Bishnu Prasad Timsina was also arrested.
“They will be handed over to the District Police Range, Kathmandu, to proceed with the case.” the SSP was quoted as saying to the press.
The CPN (Majority) had called a general strike (bandh) on Tuesday as party of a boycott campaign of the March 5 elections to Nepal’s House of Representatives.
Police sources said several other leading cadres of the CPN (Majority) are also under surveillance.
CPN (Majority) CC Press Statement: Release GS Dharmendra Bastola Immediately!
Communist Party of Nepal (Majority)
Central Committee
Press Statement
Release the Party General Secretary Immediately and Respectfully!
Our Party’s General Secretary, Comrade Dharmendra Bastola “Kanchan,” and Kavre District Secretary Comrade Bishnu Timilsina were arrested today, 17th February 2026 at around 5:40PM from Newroad Kathmandu, while they were engaged in organizational work. At a time when the nationwide Nepal Bandh program was being conducted peacefully and with broad public support, the party strongly condemns this cowardly style of arrest carried out by the present government.
We wish to make it clear that the so-called election announced by the government cannot, under any circumstances, address the people’s aspirations for good governance, stability, and self-reliance. Rather, the very logic of such an election is pushing the nation’s sovereignty toward a serious crisis, which has become a matter of grave concern. Therefore, the arrest of the Party General Secretary in the name of activities opposing the election is, on the one hand, a mockery of the minimum democratic rights related to peaceful programs; and on the other hand, a naked display of intolerance and fascist tendencies that seek to close the doors to dialogue and consensus.
We strongly demand that the government immediately and respectfully release the arrested comrades, including the General Secretary.
We sincerely appeal to all patriotic, progressive, leftist, and human rights–oriented organizations and institutions across the country to take initiatives for their honorable release.
With revolutionary greetings!
February 17, 2026
Comrade Abiral
Central Party Office Secretary
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