Fake Election Manifesto in Ex-Minister’s Name Sparks Complaint to Nepal Election Commission and Cyber Bureau

KATHMANDU – Former finance minister and Nepali Communist Party leader Varshaman Pun ‘Anant’ has filed formal complaints with the Election Commission of Nepal and the Police Cyber Bureau, alleging that a fraudulent election manifesto circulating on social media was crafted and distributed using his name without his consent.

In a petition submitted through his secretariat, Pun demanded that authorities take legal action against those responsible, stating that the doctored document contains “highly misleading, false and defamatory” content that could **confuse voters and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.”

Pun, who is contesting the Feb. 21 House of Representatives election from his home district of Rolpa, said he is still finalizing his party’s official manifesto and has not issued any separate written commitments beyond verbal statements.

According to the complaint, the fake manifesto included unrealistic and provocative pledges — such as designating key towns as red-light districts, building an international airport in Bada-chaur, establishing a university and campus in every ward, constructing a hospital in Madi-chaur larger than Bir Hospital, and introducing metro rail and cable cars — none of which have been proposed by Pun or his campaign.

Pun’s filing argues that the promulgation of such content violates Nepal’s Cyber Law and Election Code of Conduct, urging officials to remove the material immediately and prosecute the perpetrators.