KATHMANDU: CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel has claimed that four different forces—royalists, Maoists, populist socialists, and foreign powers—are working in coordination to weaken the UML, primarily through cyber attacks and political propaganda.

Speaking at the sixth meeting of the UML Kathmandu District Committee in Tokha on Thursday, Pokharel alleged that the groups are launching coordinated online campaigns to discredit the party. “They align only when UML is weak. That is their common agenda,” he said.

Pokharel stated that royalist forces are targeting UML because they see the party as the chief barrier to the restoration of monarchy.

“If UML didn’t exist, the monarchy might have already been reinstated,” he remarked, referring to the May 29 royalist movement, which he claimed lost momentum due to UML’s opposition.

He also criticized Maoists and other leftist groups, accusing them of betraying national interests. “These so-called communists, acting in line with foreign powers, are attacking UML even more aggressively after we joined hands with the Nepali Congress,” he said.

Pokharel singled out the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, accusing them of populism and misguiding the public. “They vilify UML because we oppose hatred and uphold social harmony and national values,” he added.

Pokharel suggested that international actors are involved in efforts to weaken UML’s influence. “We resisted the blockade, restored the national map, and upheld sovereignty. That’s why we’re being targeted,” he said, implying foreign disapproval of UML’s nationalist stance.

Urging party cadres not to lose morale, Pokharel called for unity and resilience. “Don’t be demoralized. These attacks only prove that UML is still the backbone of national politics,” he concluded.